Monday, March 16 2020 19:34

ArmInfo. Decision to introduce in Armenia state of emergency is caused by the threat, which is facing the concept of a social state. The Prime Minister of Armenia  Nikol Pashinyan announced today in parliament.

Reminding once again that according to the latest data, 30 cases of  coronavirus infection were confirmed in the territory of the Republic  of Armenia, the Prime Minister stated that 19 of them were connected  with the Etchmiadzin incident, and 3 more - with the first case of  the disease. At the same time, he stated that the cases recorded  yesterday in one of the production facilities were of concern.  Pashinyan noted that measures are being taken to identify all persons  involved and isolate them.

Speaking about the introduction of the emergency regime in the  country, the Armenian Prime Minister emphasized that this measure  aims to protect the population of the republic. In this context, he  stated that the clauses of the Armenian legislation on the  introduction of an emergency state are more provided for confronting  external threats, and it does not say anything about combating such  internal threats that come from person to person.

The head of the Armenian executive body also regretted the fact that  some citizens of the country were not serious about the  recommendations made by the country's Ministry of Healthcare. "The  decision to introduce a state of emergency in the country will allow  us to more strictly control the situation, and in some cases limit  the rights of our citizens, force them to comply with security  requirements. These restrictions can only be applied if there is a  state of emergency. And this is based on the principle of ensuring  the implementation of the concept of the social state, which today is  at risk in connection with the spread of the coronavirus, "Pashinyan  said, adding that a commandant's office has already been created and  will be headed by the Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan.

He also said that the commission created on January 30 of this year  was reorganized, which was engaged in the development of measures to  prevent the spread of the epidemic in the republic.

Speaking about the condition of the diseased, the prime minister  stated that the condition of those infected was either satisfactory  or good, and the first sick person has already recovered.  "The most  serious risks are associated with the enterprise where the case of  the disease was detected. The enterprises are large, therefore the  risks are quite serious and this determines the decision to introduce  an emergency," the Armenian Prime Minister said.  He also once again  reminded that the ground movement through the Armenian borders will  be limited, but there is no air traffic.  He also assured that  Armenia has no shortage of products, and even if there are any  problems with import within a month, Armenia will not have a  shortage.  In conclusion, Pashinyan assured that the government will  be open and will not hide information about the number of cases in  the country, urging information to be received only from official  sources.

As ArmInfo previously reported, the RA government approved a draft  decision on the introduction of a state of emergency in Armenia from  6:30pm March 16 to April 14 inclusive.  The state of emergency in  particular provides for a ban on organizing and participating in  public events (including religious); regulates the conduct of  anti-epidemiological measures; in case of detection of a virus by a  citizen or suspicion of a virus - moving it to special quarantine  zones or medical facilities; control over vehicles; a ban on entry  into the territory of the republic of citizens from countries with a  difficult epidemiological situation, with the exception of  representatives of diplomatic missions, consular and international  organizations, as well as those citizens of the Republic of Armenia  (and their family members, regardless of the citizenship of the  latter) who are returning to their homeland at the time the emergency  was announced . Persons who have a legal right to reside in the  territory of Armenia can also return to Armenia. At the same time, at  the border checkpoint, all those who arrived in the territory of the  Republic of Armenia are obligated to undergo a medical examination.  Citizens who cross the border of the Republic of Armenia and at the  same time refuse to undergo a medical examination, hospitalization or  quarantine can be forcibly temporarily isolated in a place designated  for these purposes to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.

Restrictions are also introduced in penitentiary institutions and  military units, as well as during funerals, weddings and other events  with the participation of not more than 20 people. The appropriate  permission must be issued by the commandant.