The Armenian government today extended the coronavirus state of emergency until June 13, even though almost all prior restrictions on individual movement and business operations had been lifted on May 4.

It appears that the extension is due to the recent rise in daily confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Armenia declared a two-month state of emergency on March 16.

The government states that it has extending the state of emergency, “Taking into account that the state of emergency caused by the novel coronavirus disease in the Republic of Armenia continues to threaten the lives and health of the population, and can lead to an disruption of people’s normal living conditions”.

Yesterday, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan cautioned that the government might reinstate lockdown measures in the country given the recent uptick in confirmed Covid-19 cases and the fact that people are not adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Schools are still closed in the country and public transport remains under lockdown.

Two government ministers (Health; Territorial Administration and Infrastructure) are in self-isolation after some in these ministries tested positive for Covid-19.