Sanitary Rules Established for Secondary and High School Classes by Minister's Decree

The Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia, Arsen Torosyan, has approved the sanitary rules for educational institutions implementing general education programs (excluding preschool education) aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through a decree issued on September 18.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. These rules establish the requirements for preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in educational institutions implementing general education programs in the Republic of Armenia (excluding preschool education).
2. These rules apply to all educational institutions operating in the territory of the Republic of Armenia (excluding preschool education), regardless of ownership. (hereinafter referred to as the Institution)

GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF WORK

1. The responsibility for ensuring a healthy and safe environment in the institution lies entirely with the head of the institution.
2. The head of the institution appoints a person responsible for measures aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), who ensures that:
1. Training for the staff is organized on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette, preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and instructions for not attending work in case of symptoms of the disease and seeking medical assistance.
2. The disinfection process and the maintenance of records of temperature measurements for both staff and students are conducted in accordance with Form 1, Form 2, and Form 3 of this annex.
3. Notices regarding the information sheet specified in Form 4 of this annex are posted in visible places and/or by other preferred means.
4. In the case of a registered case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among the staff, assistance in identifying persons (contacts) who have been in close contact with the infected individual and submitting their data for self-isolation purposes.
3. The institution must ensure:
1. The availability of masks, hand sanitizers/disinfectants, and handwashing facilities.
2. Handwashing possibilities with running water, elbow or foot-operated taps (if not possible, with disinfection options).
3. Closed bins labeled "Used Masks" for disposing of waste, with foot-operated or sensor-controlled lids.
4. A non-contact thermometer.
4. Employees aged 65 and older or those at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 may work remotely with their written consent.
5. The employer confirms the high risk of severe COVID-19 development for their employee based on medical and identification documents presented by the employee.
6. The categories of high-risk individuals include:
1. Individuals aged 65 and older.
2. Individuals with compromised immune systems.
3. Individuals with chronic illnesses, including respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or bronchitis), chronic heart failure, chronic kidney diseases, chronic liver diseases (chronic hepatitis, chronic liver failure), chronic neurological diseases (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis), stroke, and systemic autoimmune diseases.
4. Individuals with diabetes.

The Minister's decree in its entirety can be accessed here.