Armenia extending state of emergency for fifth time

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia will extend the state of emergency for a fifth time until mid-September, giving the government more leverage to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan announced the government's intention in a briefing on Wednesday, August 5.

According to him, this will probably be the final extension of the state of emergency in the country.

Avinyan also revealed that new travel guidelines, restrictions on the export of certain goods, and allowing rallies and public events will be considered.

Under the state of emergency first declared in mid-March, the movement of citizens was restricted for several weeks, but most restrictions have already been removed.

Armenians are now required to wear masks when leaving their homes and in public areas, inside cars when there are other people besides the driver, and in the street.

Public gatherings are prohibited with the exception of those authorized by the Commandant's office.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia reached 39,586 on Wednesday, according to information provided by the Health Ministry. So far, 30,850 people have recovered, 770 have died from the coronavirus in the country, while 228 others carrying the virus have died from other causes.