Attention: Mask Wearing Mandatory in Public Open Spaces Starting November 1 – Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health informs that, according to the changes made to the order No. 23-N of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia dated September 11, 2020, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus disease, starting from November 1, wearing masks will be mandatory even in public open spaces outside residential areas.

The conditions under which masks are not required in public open spaces outside residential areas are as follows:

• Age: 0-5 years old inclusive,
• Individuals speaking or giving messages at ceremonial events attended by the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the President of the Constitutional Court, and the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council (excluding journalists and service staff),
• Presence of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or bronchitis with severe respiratory failure, chronic heart failure of functional class III or IV, provided that these individuals have medical documentation confirming their illnesses,
• Physical exercises or cycling activities.

Additionally, in specially designated areas for outdoor recreation, resorts and beaches, mountains, forests, and similar outdoor areas, but not in parks, city gardens, botanical and zoological gardens, visits to historical-cultural sites, pilgrimages, organized individual and group hikes, excursions, walks, trips, and other similar events,

• Presence of television presenters alone in the television studio while broadcasting a program and during interpretation of sign language,
• Individuals with hearing impairments (the deaf who perceive speech by following lip movements),
• Mental disorders and behavioral disorders, cognitive impairments,
• Facial injuries or oral surgery.

Smoking, drinking, and eating are also exceptions.