Armenia: Government extends emergency restrictions due to COVID-19 March 31 – April 10 /update 6

Event

On Tuesday, March 31, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the emergency restrictions currently in place to prevent further spread of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended through Friday, April 10. The prime minister stated that restrictions may be tightened over the coming ten days.

The nationwide lockdown, originally set to end on March 31, requires all individuals to self-isolate and only leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy. Citizens leaving their homes need to complete and carry a standardized form about their movement and bring along a passport or ID card. Only essential businesses remain open, while restaurants and cafes are closed. The government has encouraged the public to use online services wherever possible. In addition, all shops, pharmacies, and banks only serve senior citizens above 65-years-old from 10:00 to 12:00 (local time).

Armenia has been in a state of emergency since Monday, March 16, due to COVID-19 and the government has introduced measures to prevent further spread of the virus. Armenia's borders with Iran and Georgia remain closed, while all educational institutions remain suspended. Foreigners from countries heavily impacted by the virus will not be allowed entry to the country. Additionally, all gatherings of more than 20 people are banned. These restrictions will remain in place until Thursday, April 16.

To date, there have been more than 530 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Armenia, including three associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.