Who Will Check and Fine the Unvaccinated Against Coronavirus: 'Zhoghovurd'

The requirement for vaccination or testing every 14 days will result in fines of 10,000 to 20,000 dram for individuals and 40,000 to 120,000 dram for legal entities in case of violations. According to information from the 'Zhoghovurd' newspaper, businesses have been receiving calls regarding this issue and are being warned that from October 14, employees must have a certificate of vaccination and PCR test. Otherwise, the employer will be fined.

Moreover, the Health and Labor Inspection Body will conduct surprise visits, planned one day in advance, primarily targeting high-risk organizations. To learn more, 'Zhoghovurd' called the hotlines of the inspection body, where they were informed that violations of quarantine measures result in a warning or a fine of up to three hundred times the minimum wage according to Article 182.4, Clause 3 of the Administrative Offences Code of the Republic of Armenia.

This means that it is up to the inspector's discretion to either fine the business for a violation during the first inspection or to issue a warning. During inspections, inspectors will not only check for employees' vaccination status or PCR test certificates but will also evaluate compliance with Covid-19 safety rules and the keeping of logs within the organization.

However, it should be noted that employees who do not comply with this decision will not be able to attend work, and in such cases, the employer has the right to terminate the employment contract since penalties and fines may be imposed on the employer for non-compliance. Legal experts advise employers not to force employees to get vaccinated or dismiss them on that basis, noting that those fines can be contested.

It is noteworthy that there are no regulations in the Labor Code that would allow employers to dismiss an employee for not being vaccinated or not taking a test every 14 days. It remains to be seen how the Ministry of Health will 'resolve' this issue. Additionally, the Health Minister has confused citizens by inadequately informing employers that employees may present their PCR test results not only on October 1 but during the period from October 1 to 14. Many citizens have spent a considerable amount on testing on October 1, only to find that the rules are effective starting October 14.