Prime Minister Instructs Implementation of Vaccination or PCR Testing Requirement for Employees Starting October 1

During a consultation led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the situation in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccination process were discussed. This was reported by the press service of the Government of Armenia.

Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan presented the situation in the country as of September 23, 2021: a total of 1,669,977 tests have been conducted, with 255,648 confirmed cases; 11,396 individuals are receiving treatment, 237,855 have recovered, and there are 5,200 deaths, with another 1,197 deaths due to other reasons. Yesterday, 5,823 tests were conducted, confirming 939 new cases of the coronavirus, with 592 recoveries and 19 fatalities.

With the opening of the school season, there has been a continued increase in cases. The hospital bed capacity is operating at an extreme load, with a rise in severe and critical cases and an overload in the intensive care units. Currently, 18 medical organizations are serving COVID-infected patients. There are cases of hospitalization for 25 children and approximately 30 pregnant women, with their conditions under constant strict supervision. There are 169 citizens in extremely critical condition, with 68 connected to artificial ventilators.

Regarding vaccinations, the Health Minister reported that as of today, more than 277,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have been conducted, with over 9,900 vaccinations administered yesterday. The positive dynamics are reflected in the citizens' attitudes; according to a study by the Health Ministry, while only 10 percent of people were willing to get vaccinated last March, now about 50 percent are in favor of getting vaccinated.

In response to a question from the Prime Minister, the minister assured that the quantity of vaccines in the country is at a sufficient level, and the existing stock is being replenished with new batches throughout the process. An exchange of views has taken place regarding the measures to maintain anti-epidemic rules aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus and promoting the vaccination process.

In particular, there was reference to a decree approved by the Health Ministry that will come into force on October 1, 2021, mandating that businesses require their employees to present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result every 14 days. The Prime Minister instructed the relevant state agencies to ensure the implementation of the decree starting October 1. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the importance of this legislative regulation in keeping the epidemic situation manageable and ensuring public health responsibility, and stressed the need for extensive public awareness in this regard.