GSL

Armenia’s first case of Covid-19 was reported on March 1, when a 29-year-old citizen
tested positive after returning from Iran. For ten days he was the only coronavirus patient
in the country.

There was no real sense of panic until March 11, when three new cases were detected
in the city Echmiadzin, 20 kilometres from Yerevan.

On 16th march a family was found positive which had a travel history of Italy.
The following day, a quarantine was announced in Echmiadzin, followed on March 16 by
a general state of emergency throughout the country.

All schools, universities, restaurants and shopping centres were closed with gatherings
of more than 20 people banned and restrictions applied to the country’s border
crossings.

The measures, which will stay in place until April 14, were announced at a cabinet
meeting which was broadcast live to emphasise that the government was acting with full
transparency.

The state of emergency in the country also postponed the much-anticipated

constitutional referendum, which would remove seven of the nine current judges, and
was set to take place on April 5.

The next challenge for the government will be how to weather the significant economic
ramifications of the crisis, not least the country’s close ties with Russia. Not only do
many Armenians work in the fields of construction, trade and services there, but Russia
is also their largest trade partner and market for agricultural products and raw materials.
Armenians due to leave the country for seasonal work in the early spring will be unable
to travel due to closed borders, with domestic and foreign tourism also badly hit.
“The decline in tourism will have a large and significant impact on the country's
economy, resulting in shrinking services and trade, which are currently a significant area
of employment in Armenia,” said Bagrat Asatryan, the chief of strategist of Armenia.
To alleviate some pressure, 11 out of Armenia’s 17 banks announced that they would
suspend loans, which means that both individuals and individual entrepreneurs will be
exempt from paying installments until May 30.
As of May 19, 2020, Armenia has 5,041 confirmed cases of Covid-19 within its borders with
2,164 confirmed recoveries and 64 confirmed deaths.4\

 The Government of Armenia declared a State of Emergency on March 16,

2020, allowing the government to take steps to minimize risk of infection in response
to the COVID-19 outbreak. On May 14, this State of Emergency was extended for an
 additional 30 days, through June 13, 2020. Actions include closure of schools and
universities, prohibition of events with more than 20 persons in attendance,
screening and quarantine measures, and restriction of entry into Armenia. See
the government’s official online information center on COVID-19 for more
information.
 On May 4, 2020 the Government of Armenia lifted many of the restrictions on
businesses and movement introduced on March 24. While schools and universities
remain closed, most restrictions on businesses and the movement of individuals,
including the requirement to carry a passport and government form, have been lifted.
 As of May 18, the ban on public transportation is lifted; pre-schools are open;
shopping malls and gyms are open; and restaurants and cafes can seat customers
in regular seating areas. Starting May 18, all passengers using public transportation
are required to wear a mask.

  Armenia has suspended entry into the country of any traveler who is not
either a citizen of Armenia, a member of the family of a citizen, or a lawful resident of
Armenia.
 Travelers who are permitted to enter Armenia are asked to complete health
questionnaires and self-quarantine or self-monitor for 14 days.
 Georgia and Armenia have agreed to close the land border between their
countries for a 10-day period, however this restriction has been extended indefinitely.
Citizens of Armenia or Georgia are permitted to return to their respective countries. 
Similarly, the border between Iran and Armenia is closed to most travelers.  Some
cargo deliveries are able cross the borders.

 Individuals who have recently traveled to affected areas in other countries or

who have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 may be asked to
self-monitor or self-quarantine for 14 days following arrival or exposure.
 During the monitoring or quarantine period, health officials may check
individuals’ condition.
 Individuals exhibiting fever or other symptoms may be hospitalized for a
further health assessment or treatment.