Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan declared a state of emergency on April 12 and appointed State Premier Grigory Martirosyan to head a task force (Command) to draft, execute and monitor restrictions and other measures designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

The state of emergency will last until May 12.

Only Artsakh citizens and their family members (even if non-citizens) will be allowed entry to the country. Exceptions will be made for diplomatic representatives, representatives of international organizations (and family members), non-citizens authorized to reside in Artsakh, and in other circumstances permitted by the Command.

All public gatherings, labor strikes, concerts, theatrical events and other public events are prohibited under the state of emergency.

Restrictions have also been placed on birthday celebrations, weddings and funerals.

Restrictions have also been placed on local media outlets when it comes to publishing coronavirus-related information.

For example, Martirosyan’s task force is authorized to obligate media outlets to retract or clarify information deemed “questionable” within a two-hour period of such notification.

Media outlets are also required to publish the source of material they reproduce from foreign news outlets regarding the coronavirus. The source must appear in the article’s title.

These media restrictions do not apply to statements made by local or foreign government officials.