Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office released a transcript of a conversation that took place today during the government’s cabinet session regarding the steps being taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus to Armenia.

According to the transcript, PM Pashinyan is peppering Armenian Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan with questions regarding the spread of the virus worldwide and regionally.

Torosyan responds by providing numbers of the reported infections and deaths globally and in neighboring Iran.

 Quoting official Iranian data, Torosyan tells Pashinyan that 139 infection cases and nineteen deaths have been registered in Iran. He adds that one infection case has been reported in Georgia and that he doesn’t believe an epidemic will occur in Armenia’s neighbor to the north.

At this point in the conversation, Pashinyan adds that the Georgian patient had travelled from Iran via Azerbaijan and had only come into contact with four customs officials.

Pashinyan then says that all four tested negative for the virus.

“In other words, we have no case of infection in Georgia,” Pashinyan says, to which Torosyan agrees.

“Yes, we have no local case of transmission. It was brought from the outside. Applying the right measures, we can prevent its spreading. In any case, I believe that we basically taking the same steps in Armenia and Georgia,” Torosyan says.

Pashinyan, according to the transcript, then says he hopes Armenia is as ready as Georgia to combat the virus.

Torosyan then goes into a long discussion of the 52 people who returned to Armenia from Iran, confirming that all were examined by thermometry before and after the flight and found to be healthy.

The health minister says that the 95 individuals in Armenia suspected of having the virus have been examined and all tested negative.

“Currently we have 850 test kits, so we have enough, and we will get 3,000 soon. We are also equipped in this regard. I would also like to inform you that in the last two days, 69 trucks have crossed the border of Armenia, which have been escorted by the police and ministry staffers,” Torosyan says.

Torosyan then reassures Pashinyan that everything is being done to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Well, at this moment we can state that all necessary measures are being taken and the Republic of Armenia is living its normal daily life; Of course, the public must be convinced that if there is any disturbing information, it will naturally be publicized,” Pashinyan says, adding that his government will address the matter in a transparent manner.

He then urges citizens to refrain from “spreading panic” and to go about their normal business.