Sevan, a community in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province, has been placed under lockdown in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Commandant Tigran Avinyan has ordered restrictions on entry into and exit from the community, with the exception of transportation of essentials, including food, medicine and fuel.

Sevan residents are allowed to return to the community until May 25, 1pm.

Special checkpoints are to be set up in the places defined by the National Security Service and police to ensure the implementation of the special regime.

Also, temporary restrictions have been imposed on some types of economic activity in the community.

Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan, National Security Service Director Eduard Martirosyan, Chief of Police Arman Sargsyan and Governor of Gegharkunik Gnel Sanosyan will oversee the enforcement of the lockdown.

The decision takes effect on 25 May, at 6am, and is in force until 3 June, at 11:59pm.