Health Minister Does Not Rule Out Weekly Testing Requirement

The Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, considers the ministry's requirement for mandatory testing every 14 days to be effective. The ministry is currently studying the frequency of testing in other countries and does not rule out that a weekly testing requirement may be implemented in Armenia in the near future.

This was stated by the minister during a meeting with journalists on October 16. According to her, the purpose of establishing such a requirement is to ensure that individuals who test positive can self-isolate and avoid going to work, thus preventing the infection of their colleagues, friends, and others with whom they interact.

Regarding vaccinations, she reported that approximately 17,000 vaccinations were administered on October 15. 'This is a recurring figure. A similar high number has been maintained over the past week, and we expect the number of those vaccinated to increase in the coming week,' she added, noting that the increase in vaccinations is accompanied by a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Avanesyan highlighted that the healthcare system is under tremendous pressure. 'In autumn, there is generally a rise in incidence. Already, 1,800 to 1,900 new beds are being allocated for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, but our resources are not endless. This pertains not only to hospital beds but primarily to healthcare workers. We must do everything possible to contain the spread of the disease in the coming two or three weeks,' stressed the minister, urging citizens to wear masks in enclosed spaces as it can save lives.

Since October 1, 2021, the order of the Minister of Health has been in force, mandating that all employees of businesses must undergo mandatory PCR testing every 14 days or be vaccinated.