How the Coronavirus Spread in Armenia and the Treatment Options for Citizens: Government Sent a Questionnaire with 251 Questions

The newspaper "Zhoghavor'd" reports that on February 16, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia will hold its second meeting of the investigative commission examining the effectiveness of the measures implemented by the government and the commandant's office to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19), combat the virus, and mitigate or eliminate the consequences of the pandemic. Additionally, the commission will assess the effectiveness and legality of the restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms during the state of emergency.

Details of the upcoming meeting's agenda have come to light. Firstly, on that day, the commission's chairman, Arkadi Khachatryan, will present the inquiries sent by the commission. It is noteworthy that the investigative commission has already sent a questionnaire consisting of 251 questions to the government, addressing issues related to autopsies, testing, and self-isolation. Inquiries have also been sent to the Audit Chamber, the State Oversight Service, the Central Bank, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Human Rights Defender.

According to "Zhoghavor'd," the commission aims to work extensively and will also invite officials to the meetings. The second session will discuss the principles and approaches for summoning competent officials and other individuals to the commission.

Furthermore, members of the 251-question investigative commission wish to clarify the effectiveness of the government's and commandant's office's measures against the virus and the mitigation or elimination of the pandemic's consequences. They are also focused on the effectiveness and legality of the restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms during the state of emergency.

For example, by posing questions, the commission has expressed curiosity about how it was possible that the presence of coronavirus among citizens arriving from Italy was not detected at the border, leading to these individuals becoming a significant source of the pandemic's spread (approximately 57 people were infected), specifically asking when those citizens arrived from Italy.

They have also inquired how many people in Armenia received treatment in state-funded hospitals, how many were treated on a fee-for-service basis, and how many were treated at home using personal funds. Additionally, they are looking into how many cases were recorded where the lack of immediate first medical aid resulted in a sharp deterioration in the patient's health or death.

The full article can be found in today's issue of the newspaper.