No Confirmation of Indian-Origin 'Delta' Variant of Coronavirus in Armenia, Ministry Spokesperson

No confirmation exists regarding the presence of the Indian-origin 'Delta' variant of coronavirus in Armenia. This was stated by the spokesperson for the Minister of Health, Hripsime Khachatryan, in a conversation with ArmDaily.am.

“Sequencing and epidemiological research need to be conducted to understand whether this variant is present or not. That research has not been carried out yet, and the results are still unclear, but it is not the case that we can exclude its presence. Simply put, it has not been confirmed by research yet. Once the research results are clear, we will either confirm or deny it. In any case, this is a process that requires time,” she emphasized.

She highlighted that this variant is primarily distinguished by its faster spread and more severe course. “I cannot comment on mortality, but there is talk about the severity of its course as well,” she noted.

Regarding whether Armenia might impose a requirement for a vaccination certificate for foreigners entering the country, as is mandatory in many countries, she replied that a significant majority of countries require either a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result obtained within the last 72 hours. “We also require the presentation of one of the two. Those coming from neighboring countries to Armenia must have a negative PCR test result. No infected person can enter through either air or land borders,” Khachatryan assured.

It should be noted that the Indian-origin 'Delta' variant has already been identified and is rapidly spreading in 98 countries worldwide, and is considered more dangerous and continues to mutate.