Discussion Led by Prime Minister on Coronavirus Pandemic Situation and Vaccination Process

During a consultation led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the situation in the republic regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccination process was discussed. Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan noted that in the past day, 19,360 tests were conducted in the republic, resulting in 1,863 confirmed cases of infection. According to the Minister, the significant increase in testing rates since the implementation of the regulations on October 1 has also led to a rise in the number of positive responses. She stated that this also contributes to the early detection of infections and the prevention of further spread.

The Minister reported that 22 medical centers have been established for the treatment of coronavirus in the republic, and the number of beds will increase by another 350 in the coming days, reaching a total of 2,877. New departments for coronavirus treatment will be allocated starting Monday at several hospitals in Yerevan, Sevan, and Hrazdan. Currently, 2,019 beds are occupied in hospital inpatient departments, and another 382 beds are occupied in intensive care units. It was mentioned that 930 people are in serious condition, 222 are in critical condition, and another 89 patients are connected to lung ventilators.

Addressing the vaccination process, the Minister stated that in the past day, 16,722 citizens were vaccinated, bringing the total number of vaccinated individuals to 583,745. A discussion was held regarding measures to comply with anti-epidemic rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to boost the vaccination process. The outcomes of the order approved by the Ministry of Health, which has been in force since October 1, 2021, were reviewed. According to this order, economic operators are required to demand vaccination certificates or negative PCR test results every 14 days from their employees.

Several issues concerning the consistent implementation of measures against the spread of the coronavirus and ensuring their effectiveness were discussed. In this context, the importance of continuing to increase the pace of vaccination, enhancing structural capacities, and ensuring strict control over mask-wearing in enclosed spaces was highlighted. The Prime Minister instructed the heads of responsible agencies to actively continue combating violations of anti-epidemic rules, to intensify efforts to promote the vaccination process, with the aim of keeping the pandemic situation manageable and ensuring public health accountability. In this context, public awareness was emphasized.