Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus in Armenia, the government today declared a state of emergency in the country from 6:30 pm today to 14:00 pm on April 14.

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan has been appointed Commandant of the  State of Emergency Commission.

Here are a few specifics regarding the state of emergency.

A special order for entry and exit to the country has been established for the passage of persons, vehicles and goods. Citizens of the Republic of Armenia, their family members, diplomats and their family members may come to Armenia.

Persons who are not citizens of the Republic of Armenia cannot come to Armenia from countries where there is a tense epidemic. The list of those countries will be approved by Commandant Tigran Avinyan. Diplomats are an exception. It is forbidden to leave the country by land except for truck drivers.

Those who come to Armenia through border checkpoints will be immediately examined and, if symptoms are present, hospitalized. If those arriving refuse examination or hospitalization, they will be isolated in areas designated by the Commandant.

Persons arriving from epidemic impacted countries will be moved to a quarantine place.

The Commandant can impose certain restrictions on individual communities.

The following are general restrictions throughout the country.

During the state of emergency, the work of preschools, schools, higher education institutions is suspended. The restriction also applies to sports schools, schools of culture, music and painting centers. The restriction does not apply to military training institutions.It is forbidden to hold rallies and strikes throughout Armenia.

The activity of the media has been restricted. Media should not disseminate information that contradicts information provided by the authorities about the epidemic.

Multifunctional centers for public catering, shopping and entertainment may be banned in cities and villages at the behest of the Commandant. For example, he may decide to restrict the activities of restaurants in Echmiadzin and so on.

The Commandant has broad authority to establish a regime in a particular city and village as necessary.

According to the decision of the Commandant, the organization, conduct and participation of public events in specific areas may be prohibited. Public events are the following with the participation of 20 and more people:

• concerts, exhibitions, screenings, theatrical performances and other sports, cultural, educational events
• entertainment activities
• festive and commemorative events, including but not limited to: birthday (anniversary), wedding (engagement), funeral arrangements
• other events qualified as public events by order of the Commandant

The Commandant has decided that all private and company-owned property, drugs, medical supplies can be requisitioned in an emergency. Compensation will be provided later.