Panic at Vardenis School No. 3 as Principal and Four Staff Members Test Positive for Coronavirus

“My husband and I tested positive for the coronavirus, but we feel fine; I am working remotely from home,” said Haykush Varseghyan, the principal of Vardenis Community’s School No. 3 in Gegharkunik Province, in an interview with ArmDaily.am today.

The principal noted that there is a bit of panic at the school, but it is operating. “Those who have a negative test are working. Indeed, there is a little panic, but the school is still functioning,” she stated.

She also mentioned that her health has not deteriorated. “On the first day I went to school, I felt that I had symptoms, suspected it, and did not allow anyone to close contact with me. I took the necessary items from my office so that I could work remotely from home and strictly instructed that the entire space be sanitized after my departure. I tested at my own expense, but I did not contract the virus at school, and I can confidently say that those who did contract it did not catch it from me. Although I am not registered at the polyclinic, the staff members are very attentive and caring; they constantly call to ask how we are feeling,” she added.

When asked if the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport had announced at the end of August that all teachers and staff of public schools would be tested at state expense, Varseghyan replied, “We were not tested. They had requested a list, which we provided on September 3, but by the time I fell ill, I had informed them; they only came to take tests afterward. Some of our staff were tested on Saturday, while others are currently being sampled.”

Regarding whether there are other infected members of the school staff, the principal stated, “Yes, there is one cleaner, one operator, a teacher, and the deputy.”