School Nurses to Conduct Primary Examinations, Says Avanesyan

There is a noticeable activation characteristic of the acute respiratory infection season in Armenia, with recorded cases comparable to last year. Starting from January 15, nurses in schools will conduct primary examinations, and students showing symptoms will be sent home. This was stated by Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan during a press conference.

The minister mentioned that daily monitoring is being carried out regarding both registered cases and the burden on the hospital sector. "This year's figures are comparable to previous years. Therefore, we are currently in a phase of certain activation characteristic of this season," said the minister.

Schools reopened last week after the holiday period, and the ministry is monitoring the number of absences, which currently does not exceed 2 percent. Avanesyan assures that they have a clear action plan in case this percentage shows a trend of increase.

"Starting from Monday, filtration measures will begin in schools. In the mornings, nurses will conduct primary examinations, and if they register specific symptoms, the child will be sent home. If necessary, a doctor's appointment should also be made," the minister emphasized.

Additionally, extra shifts have been assigned in polyclinics to prevent overwhelming the hospital sector. Both the intensive care unit and hospital bed capacity are under strict control by the ministry.