Kindergartens to Reopen from May 20: Daily Temperature Checks for Children at Entrance

The Mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan, has held a working consultation with the participation of district leaders. Specifically, the reopening of community-based kindergartens next week and the associated regulations and restrictions have been discussed.

It has been decided that in order to properly prepare, the operations of kindergartens will resume on May 20.

The Deputy Mayor, Tigran Virabyan, stated that it is necessary to disinfect kindergarten premises, which total 305,000 square meters, daily. The municipality will procure 160,000 masks and 4,000 liters of hand sanitizer for the 4,000 employees of kindergartens, as well as 160 infrared thermometers.

Based on inquiries from district leaders, a 30% attendance rate (about 11,000 children) is expected from those registered in the kindergartens. The Mayor urged that only children whose parents require childcare due to work should be brought to kindergartens. Attendance of children with chronic health issues is not encouraged. However, no mandatory prohibition on attendance exists except for children exhibiting fever.

Every morning, children will undergo temperature checks at the entrance. Surveys have shown that 18-20% of kindergarten staff belong to a high-risk group and may be absent from work. They will be paid normally upon presenting appropriate documentation.

By the Mayor's directive, specific standards are being presented to suppliers regarding food safety conditions. Markings will be made near kindergarten entrances to uphold social distancing during entry.