By Ani Paitjan

In a televised address on March 24 , Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country will go into complete lockdown for one week starting Tuesday, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thousands of businesses and organizations will close their doors and only those providing basic necessities will remain open, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. This drastic measure has already been implemented in European countries and various states in the U.S.

According to Pashinyan, citizens leaving their house will only be allowed when absolutely necessary. While in the streets, individuals must have a clear explanation for where they are going when approached by authorities, and also must carry an identification card.

Earlier on March 24, the Armenian government took the decision to close all restaurants and cafes for at least a week. Citizens will be able to go to food stores, pharmacies and banks. 

 Pashinyan urged citizens to increase their use of online services until the situation is stabilized.

“Our duty now is to protect our children, our elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses. We must do everything to prevent them from being infected. Our goal is to protect vulnerable communities, as well as to prevent and limit the burden on our health system,” stated Pashinyan.

COVID-19 Numbers in Armenia

• There are 265 cases in the country
• 11 of the infected patients are above the age of the age of 65.
• Five patients are above the age of 70.
• Armenia has no cases of people over the age of 80.
• 30 patients have pneumonia, five of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit and one of them, a patient of 77 years old, is in a critical condition.
• 868 citizens are in self-quarantine after coming into contact with an infected person
• 2,419 citizens are in self isolation in their homes.
• The infected people are from eight regions: Yerevan, Armavir, Ararat, Aragatsotn, Kotayk, Syunik, Shirak and Lori.
• 16 people recovered from the infection.
• 1,315 people tested negative for the virus.
• There are no deaths due to COVID-19.