The Situation is Serious, We are at the Peak of the Third Wave of Coronavirus: Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control

“We are definitely at the peak of the third wave; currently, we have over 20 repurposed hospitals for coronavirus treatment. The situation is quite serious, and we have patients waiting who need hospitalization,” stated Gayane Sahakyan, the Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health, in a video released by the Government.

Addressing discussions regarding vaccines, Sahakyan noted that the COVAX FACILITY initiative was established last year, bringing together countries with limited capacity to secure agreements with manufacturing companies. She mentioned that the first vaccine offered to Armenia was the Pfizer vaccine, which, however, needed to be stored at -70 to -80 degrees Celsius, a condition that could not be met by healthcare facilities in Armenia.

“As for the AstraZeneca vaccine, that is under the second agreement of COVAX FACILITY, and considering the new cases of infection, it was very important for us to obtain the vaccine as soon as possible,” Sahakyan said, adding that the 24,000 doses were intended for high-risk groups.

When asked if this is for 24,000 people, Sahakyan replied, “At this moment, no one can say for sure how many people this is for; it’s possible that we could vaccinate all 24,000 at once, and then offer the second doses with a new batch.”

“We plan to start vaccinations in Yerevan on April 7-8, while it might be a little delayed in the regions,” Sahakyan stated, quoting announcements from the European Medicines Agency and WHO about AstraZeneca, noting that scientific data support the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Regarding the import of the Sputnik V vaccine, Sahakyan said that negotiations with Russia have not yet concluded, but it can be said that the contract has been signed, and they are awaiting a new shipment.