Despite an increase of coronavirus cases, Armenia has lifted most of its lockdown measures.
As of this week, restaurants and shops have reopened, as well as factories, hairdressers and beauty salons. Travel is no longer restricted, though public transportation remains suspended. Malls are still closed.
Botanical gardens, zoos and specially protected areas have also reopened. Sports clubs and objects will only be open to professional athletes for training and holding sports events.
All reopened businesses have to comply with strict safety requirements set by the ministry of health.
Armenia declared a state of emergency on March 16. So far, it has reported 2,884 cases and 42 deaths from the virus. However, the opening comes as its cases have been growing as fast as ever.
Last week, the country’s health minister Arsen Torosyan warned that the number of people infected with the disease may soon exceed the capacity of the country’s hospitals to treat all patients: “In this case, our priority will be only moderate and severe cases”, he said.
“The easing of restrictions does not mean that the threat of the epidemic has passed. This is an attempt to adapt to the new rules of coexistence. Therefore, at this stage, the individual, social and corporate responsibility of each of us is very important. This is a unique test for all of us to demonstrate to what extent we are able to show high consciousness and discipline” deputy PM Tigran Avinyan said.
Authorities said a special regime may be imposed in certain settlements depending on the risk of spread of the virus, and warned the regime of strict restriction could be reimposed if the situation worsens.
