Armenia: Government extends state of emergency through July 31 /update 12

Event

On Friday, June 12, the Armenian government announced an extension of the state of emergency until July 31, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Per the directive, entry is prohibited for non-citizens of Armenia arriving from countries with severe outbreaks of COVID-19 and for individuals who have been in those countries during the previous 14 days. For more information, please see this website.

As of May 4, small shops, restaurants, bars, beauty salons, and dry cleaners reopened, and manufacturing industries resumed operations. However, malls, trade centers, and markets remain closed and there has been no announcement concerning the reopening of schools. Armenia previously announced the easing of restrictions on travel between provinces and the lifting of measures restricting many business activities. Public transport remains suspended and all gatherings of more than 20 people are banned.

As of June 12, there are 15,281 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Armenia, including 258 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.