Celebrate New Year’s Holidays in Family Environment, Do Not Accept Guests: Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health of Armenia has issued a statement urging citizens to celebrate the New Year’s holidays in a family environment and to refrain from welcoming guests due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The statement reads: “Just like across the world, the epidemiological situation related to coronavirus in Armenia remains tense, while the UK’s Ministry of Health has announced a new type of coronavirus that is distinguished by its high infectivity.

Considering the interactions during the holiday season, the risk of spreading the coronavirus disease increases. It is important to note that, besides the coronavirus, the circulation of influenza and other acute respiratory viruses is also typical for this time of year, whose clinical manifestations and preventive measures are nearly the same.

Several countries have implemented new restrictions to mitigate the risk of spreading the coronavirus during the New Year celebrations. For example, among various measures, Germany will impose strict restrictions during the New Year and Christmas holidays, closing shopping centers, limiting the number of participants in home gatherings, and restaurants and other leisure venues are already closed. Spain has also limited the number of participants in gatherings to a maximum of 6 people. In Moscow, individuals over 65 and others in high-risk groups will remain in self-isolation until January 15. Georgia has also imposed strict restrictions, with restaurants and bars operating only for delivery services, public transport in major cities not running, and open and closed markets remaining closed.

As the New Year approaches, to avoid coronavirus (COVID-19), influenza, and other acute respiratory infections and their complications, the Ministry of Health again urges: limit your interactions, avoid crowded places and mass events, including holiday gatherings and performances, celebrate the New Year in a family environment without accepting guests, wear masks, maintain social distancing, and practice hand hygiene. If you have suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus at home, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters and wear masks when interacting with them, do not accept guests, wash your hands frequently or, if impossible, use a disinfectant with at least 70% alcohol, teach your children hygiene rules and ensure their adherence, and in case of symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, cold), contact your clinic physician (therapist, pediatrician, or family doctor) immediately. Do not engage in self-medication, do not use antibiotics, as they are not indicated for the treatment of influenza and other viral infections, get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Follow safety rules and stay healthy.”