Attention: Mask Wearing Requirement Tightened from May 25 – Offenders Will Face Strict Penalties

We must establish the strictest oversight in institutions and enterprises, as well as in service sector companies, to ensure they adhere to safety regulations. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a live session on Facebook.

He mentioned that the commandant's office will implement a punitive policy towards them and will conduct explanatory work. “Many take it lightly, but explaining to people is a philosophical issue for me. The tool to change the situation of the coronavirus is the change in individual behavior,” the Prime Minister noted.

According to him, cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, and banks that do not comply with safety regulations will be closed—not for 24 hours, but for 15 days or for 1 month. Pashinyan indicated that the names of violators will be published so that people are aware that visiting those places is epidemiologically unsafe.

Pashinyan said that specialists have conducted a study showing that the culture of wearing masks can lead to a zero incidence rate. Thus, the Prime Minister presented the guidelines on where and when masks must be worn starting May 25.

“In all places where there is trade, both the buyer and the seller must wear masks. The driver and passengers must also wear masks; in other words, when there is more than one person in a vehicle, everyone must wear a mask. Failing to wear a mask will lead to severe administrative penalties. By adhering to this rule, as well as the handwashing rule, we can stop the spread of the coronavirus,” he emphasized.

He reiterated the call to increase individual responsibility. “If necessary, we will apply the strictest administrative measures, but the citizens of the Republic of Armenia can demonstrate high awareness. Therefore, hand sanitizing, maintaining social distance, and wearing masks in commerce, in vehicles, and at workplaces is mandatory. I believe in you, and together we will address this issue,” the Prime Minister concluded.