No Cases of Coronavirus Reported in Artsakh; Fake News Originates from Azerbaijan

Information is being circulated through Facebook groups and fake accounts, claiming that 11 civilians and 27 soldiers have been transferred to the central hospital in Stepanakert showing symptoms of coronavirus.

This news, with the same content, was first spread on March 5 via Facebook by a fake page operating from Azerbaijan, purporting to represent Artsakh’s President Bako Sahakyan. Both the news being disseminated and the existence of an official Facebook page for Bako Sahakyan were denied. This was reported by the Information Verification Center.

However, in parallel with the newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia, misinformation has begun to circulate again. The Information Verification Center also contacted Artsakh's Minister of Health Arayik Baghdasaryan, who also refuted the claims, stating that there are no cases of virus infiltration in Artsakh and that all necessary preventive measures are being undertaken.