ARMENIAN SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS CLOSED DECEMBER 8-19 FOR FLU PREVENTION

Tert.am
12:45 ~U 08.12.09

Yesterday evening, Armenia’s prime minister had an advisory meeting
with RA Healthcare Minister Harutyun Kushkyan and RA Education and
Science Minister Armen Ashotyan.

Having as its basis the RA Healthcare Minister’s proposal, RA Education
and Science Minister signed a decree to close down preschools and
public education institutions in Armenia from December 8 to 19.

"The observations and studies of the last 10 days revealed that
there’s a rise in contagious illnesses in the Republic, particularly
in schools and kindergartens," said Harutyun Kushkyan in his address
on public television.

Kushkyan once again reiterated that there’s no reason for panic and
that these measures are simply accepted method of prevention.

Armen Ashotyan, in turn, explained that the decision was approved
taking into consideration the fact that it’s children of that
particular age that are at risk.

"Stemming from physiological, anatonomical specifics, children of
this age are more at risk," said Ashotyan.

As for a decision on continuing classes at higher educational
institutions, in the minister’s words, currently there’s a process of
certification at colleges, universities and institutes: students are
preparing for exams, reviews, and group meetings, and the likelihood
of being infected is low.