TOURINFO-Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency over the coronavirus and imposed border restrictions that included a ban on citizens leaving the tiny Caucasus republic.
The measures that take effect from March 16, 2020, from 18:30 until April 14, 2020, include barring entry to Armenia by people from a list of countries affected by coronavirus outbreaks, Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan told an emergency government meeting. Schools, universities and other educational institutions will remain closed during this period, he said.
The following restrictions will be in effect for the next month:
– Classes in all daycares and educational institutions, including sports academies and music conservatories, will be suspended.
– Cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers will be closed.
– Rallies, mass gatherings, and strikes will be prohibited.
– Organizing, holding and participating in public events will be prohibited.
– The ban applies to all events with more than 20 people in attendance, including religious ceremonies, concerts, exhibitions, and holiday events. Birthdays, engagements, weddings and funerals that will be attended by more than 20 people can be held only in places permitted by the commandant.
– The delivery of parcels to military units and prisons is also prohibited.
– Essential goods will be exported under the supervision of the ministers of the economy and health. Each shipment can only be exported after obtaining consent from the ministers of economy and health.
– Foreign citizens traveling from countries with high-risk of transmitting coronavirus will not be able to visit Armenia.
– Armenian citizens will not be able to leave the country via land routes.
However, all Armenian citizens will be able to return to their homeland. All family members of Armenian citizens will be able to return to Armenia, regardless of their citizenship.
To ensure adherence to the state of emergency, checkpoints will be established where doctors could examine people.
In a state of emergency, Armenian media is only allowed to report on official information. Local media are not allowed to post news that could trigger a panic.
