COVID-19 Cases Surge in Tavush, Syunik, Lori, and Yerevan

The Armenian Ministry of Health has announced that changes were made to orders No. 17-N dated August 4, 2020, and No. 24-N dated September 18, 2020, which have relaxed some restrictions. This includes provisions limiting the acceptance of children in preschool institutions, while still maintaining compliance with sanitary rules.

According to the Ministry, additional admissions in preschool institutions can be organized in the following cases:

• For children on the waiting list whose home care is practically impossible due to their parents or guardians being unable to work remotely.
• For children with first or second-degree disabilities, or for children of parents who have three or more children or are military servicemen.
• For children who require special conditions for education and development.
• For children from socially disadvantaged families.

Despite these changes and relaxations, an analysis of new COVID-19 infection rates has revealed a growing trend in cases. The reproduction rate has increased from 0.59 to 0.95 as of January 30.

In the past week, the highest infection rates were observed in the Tavush, Syunik, and Lori regions, as well as the city of Yerevan.

To mitigate the risk of coronavirus spread, the Ministry of Health urges the public to enhance vigilance regarding safety rules:

• If you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at home, maintain at least 1.5 meters distance when in contact.
• Wear a mask and avoid crowded places as much as possible.
• When visiting businesses (shops, hair salons, wholesale trade centers, etc.), maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and sanitize your hands with a 70% alcohol-based disinfectant or wash them with soap after contact with surfaces.
• Teach your child hygiene rules and ensure they are followed.
• If symptoms of acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, cold) appear, contact your clinic's doctor (therapist or pediatrician) immediately.