Torosyan Signs New Order Regarding Covid-19

Health Minister Arsen Torosyan signed a new order on September 18, establishing the rules for organizing the observation of individuals who have had direct contact with Covid-19 patients, as well as those entering and exiting epidemiological zones and countries considered unfavorable with respect to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) when entering the territory of the Republic of Armenia. The order is now in effect.

The general rules for the organization of observation for individuals entering the territory of the Republic of Armenia who have had direct contact with COVID-19 patients, are entering or exiting epidemiological zones, or are coming from countries considered unfavorable in terms of COVID-19 are defined as follows:

1. Observation includes medical examinations, epidemiological monitoring, preventive measures, sanitation, hygiene, and anti-epidemic activities aimed at individuals suspected of having the disease who have had direct contact with a COVID-19 patient: self-isolated or isolated individuals entering or exiting epidemiological zones from countries that are unfavorable in terms of COVID-19.

2. In the framework of observation, medical examinations for self-isolated or isolated individuals are conducted under outpatient or home conditions, by the Primary Health Care (PHC) system, over a 14-day period.

3. The person under observation, except in cases where medical assistance is needed, does not attend work or educational institutions, does not go to public places, and does not use public transport/taxis.

4. Only family members may stay at home with the self-isolated individual. The self-isolated individual does not interact with others outside their family.

5. If there are other family members in the self-isolation area, the individual must stay in a well-ventilated room with an open window. If there is no separate room, natural ventilation should be ensured as much as possible.

6. The individual under observation must thoroughly clean the lavatory and bathroom after use, using cleaning and disinfecting agents.

7. The dishes, bedding, and other items of the person under observation must be separated from those of other family members. After use, items must be thoroughly washed with cleaning agents (soap, detergents) and water.

8. When washing the items and bedsheets of the person under observation, the highest possible water temperature should be ensured, in conjunction with laundry powder, and they must be dried and ironed at the highest permitted temperature. It is necessary to wear disposable gloves and an apron when handling contaminated items. Sending laundry to a laundromat is prohibited.

9. As much physical distance as possible (at least 1 meter) must be maintained between the person under observation and other family members, avoiding hugs, handshakes, and kissing.

10. The person under observation should maintain hygienic practices regarding coughing and sneezing, covering their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, discarding it in a plastic garbage bag, and immediately washing their hands.

11. Used tissues, masks, and other household waste must be collected in designated garbage bags. Once full, these bags should be tied, placed in another bag, and tied again before removal from the room as household waste.

12. Hands must be frequently washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and thoroughly dried. Unwashed hands should not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth.

13. Disinfection of the entire area is carried out using a disinfectant containing 70-90% alcohol or chlorine. Based on the 24th point of the appendix approved by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia's order number 13-N, disinfectants with accompanying methodological guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health are used.

14. At least twice a day, wet cleaning is performed using regular cleaning agents, with special attention given to the restroom, bathroom, and kitchen. The cleaning should follow the order of living room – kitchen – bathroom – toilet.

15. At least twice daily, as well as more frequently if necessary, high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets, tables, chair backs, and other surfaces are disinfected using 70-90% alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants, which have accompanying methodological guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health.

16. After each disinfection, hands are washed with soap and water, and then disinfected with a disinfectant containing at least 70% alcohol.

17. In the event that a person in self-isolation requires hospitalization, family members conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection using 70-90% alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants in accordance with the accompanying methodological guidelines.

18. If the person's condition worsens—fever, difficulty breathing, the emergence of symptoms, or the development of new symptoms—they should contact the appropriate primary health care provider. In emergency situations, emergency medical services should be called, informing them of the individual's self-isolation status.

19. Information about individuals subject to observation is recorded in the electronic health system ARMED through the outpatient infectious disease control interface.

20. Outpatient infectious disease control for those subject to observation in self-isolation is conducted by the appropriate primary health care provider, while for those in isolation, it is done in collaboration with the physician attached to the isolation site.

21. On the first day of observation, the individual under observation is provided with remote consultation via phone regarding compliance with self-isolation or isolation conditions, personal hygiene, individual protective measures, and monitoring their health status, as well as an epidemiological history review.

22. The physician's consultation is conducted via phone at least twice daily, and an electronic health system questionnaire detailing daily monitoring for the self-isolated/isolated individual is filled out in accordance with this order.

23. In cases where the self-isolated or isolated individual mentions symptoms indicative of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache, muscle pain or weakness, and especially difficulty breathing and/or rapid breathing, the physician will follow the orders of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia number 1312-L dated April 21, 2020, and number 336-A dated January 31, 2020.

24. Upon completion of self-isolation and isolation, an incapacity certificate is issued according to the electronic health system ARM.