People Were Forced to Sleep at the Checkpoint Due to PCR Testing Issues: Ombudsman

The office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia reports on its Facebook page: "People were forced to sleep at the checkpoint due to issues with PCR testing; the systemic problem has been resolved with the support of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.

On October 18, 2021, a citizen alerted the Ombudsman that they were unable to enter the territory of Armenia from the 'Bavra' border checkpoint, as the checkpoint closes at 24:00, and no PCR testing samples for COVID-19 are being taken after 22:00.

The applicant noted that passengers in the vehicle, including young children, had to sleep on the benches at the border checkpoint or in their vehicle. The raised issue was discussed by the Ombudsman's staff with a representative from the Health and Labor Inspection Body, who confirmed the published information.

The Human Rights Defender has initiated a discussion on the raised issue and sent a letter to the Minister of Health of Armenia. According to clarifications received from the Ministry of Health, to ensure sampling for COVID-19 diagnosis during the period from 22:00 to 24:00, a duty was established for three companies to work on a three-day rotation. As a result, the issue of undergoing PCR testing and entering the territory of Armenia from 22:00 to 24:00 has been resolved."