Armenia approves decision on state of emergency (Updated)

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian government is discussing the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in the country or some parts of it in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

300 people have been isolated in the country so far, with 30 confirmed cases of the virus receiving inpatient treatment.

Movements in and out of the town of Vagharshapat where most coronavirus cases have been registered so far will be restricted.

17:30. The decision was approved.

16:15. After discussions that lasted more two hours, the cabinet of Ministers went on a oe-hour break and will convene again at 17:15 (GMT+4).

15:05. Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan started his report by reading the draft proposal whose approval would declare a state of emergency from March 16 to April 16.

Under the proposal, a commandant's office will be established under Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan.

Special measures will be introduced at all the border crossings of Armenia, specifically for people coming from countries with a tense epidemiological situation.

The organization of and participation in demonstrations and strikes throughout the Republic of Armenia will be prohibited.

If the measures are approved, the commandant's office is authorized to prohibit the activities of the multifunctional centers of public catering, trade and entertainment in certain communities.

In a state of emergency, media outlets must use and disseminate only official information when it comes to developments in the current epidemiological situation.