Schools with High COVID Cases to Transition to Distance Learning, Minister Clarifies

Schools with high instances of coronavirus cases will switch to a distance learning model, stated Armenia's Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan in the National Assembly.

The minister noted that while strict lockdowns were justified last year, maintaining them continuously has harmful long-term effects. "The WHO also mentions in its guidelines that school closures should occur for the shortest possible periods due to the mental health and development issues we have with our children that we cannot overlook. As much as I, as the Minister of Health, would prefer total lockdowns as effective short-term solutions, we do not have that time," Avanesyan stated.

She added that extending the school break by another week allows them to ease the situation temporarily. The minister also mentioned that universities are still conducting classes online, which is important.