Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, who was today appointed to head the country’s State of Emergency Commission, released the following Facebook post on guidelines concerning gatherings and public events in the country.

Dear Compatriots,

Based on the government's decision to declare a state of emergency, the provisions of the "Restrictions and Prohibitions on Conducting Rallies or Public Events" clause will apply to the whole territory of the Republic of Armenia starting from 12:00 on 17 March. This concerns the prohibition on the organization, running and participation of public events.

The ban covers the following where twenty or more people are in attendance.

• Concerts, exhibitions, performances, theatrical performances and other sports, cultural, educational events
• Leisure activities
• Holiday and commemoration events, including but not limited to birthdays wedding (engagement), funerals and burials.

Note that in the event of funerals and burials we will try to provide a slightly wider opportunity for participation, while keeping an eye out that crowds of people to not gather at these ceremonies.