Armenia’s PM says the situation with coronavirus very serious, calls for stricter control

The situation with the coronavirus pandemic is not good, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the cabinet sitting today.

“Yesterday we have recorded 335 new cases, the death toll is 70,” the prime minister said.

Nikol Pashinyan said talks are being circulated among public as if the government gives money to people for them to agree to become coronavirus patients.

“And they have concrete explanation to it – as if it is necessary to show a big number of patients and deaths for receiving international assistance,” he said.

Pashinyan also stressed that from the very first case the government has not hidden information from the public.

“Eventually, our government has not conveyed manipulative information to the people. The situation is much more serious than we imagine, it is necessary to undertake strictest measures,” the prime minister said.

He stressed it is necessary to ensure quarantine conditions without declaring quarantine.

In state governance bodies the employees must take off masks only when they are alone in their cabinets.

“The Commandant’s Office passes to more intensive working regime. The police must pass to stricter control,” he said.

Pashinyan also said that he has noticed that anti-epidemic rules are not kept in taxis and instructed to pass to stricter control.

“It is necessary to keep social distancing, contact with each other only wearing masks,” the head of the government said, urging not to spread false news about coronavirus.

He said for him there is only one most effective means to fight against coronavirus and it is individual responsibility.