The Armenian Authorities Are Not Planning Anti-Pandemic Measures

The newspaper "Zhoghovurd" reports that due to the escalating numbers of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministries of Health and Education have decided to switch to remote education and vacation mode in educational institutions. However, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has clearly stated that the government will not adopt any general or severe restrictions under any circumstances.

According to information from "Zhoghovurd", Pashinyan has assured the heads of socio-economic departments and his teammates that Armenia cannot enter a new lockdown at any cost. This is apparently primarily due to potential social issues that may arise if places such as restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and public venues are closed.

It is worth mentioning that on October 25, the Ministry of Health proposed to the Ministry of Education to extend the autumn break in schools by another week, while universities would switch to remote learning. What is happening here is that on one hand, the Minister of Health is publishing alarming numbers and warning that the bed capacity is being depleted, whereas on the other hand, the Prime Minister declares that there will be no restrictions. Thus, regardless of how many people may die from Covid, the local authorities are not planning to take anti-pandemic measures. For comparison, in Russia, for instance, the government has imposed a home regime for citizens with chronic illnesses and the elderly.