At a special parliamentary session today, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told MPs that he first got tested for the coronavirus not because he had symptoms, but because he was planning to depart on a working visit to some military posts and didn’t want to infect any soldiers.

Pashinyan said he first tested positive for the virus on May 31. His family members tested positive immediately afterwards. All have since tested negative.

He said that he started wearing a face mask on May 22 and only took it off while at home.

Responding to criticism regarding his attending a May 21 party in Shushi (Artsakh) following the inauguration of Arayik Harutyunyan as president, where guests were seen mingling in close proximity without masks, Pashinyan pushed back and said that the event was in accordance with Artsakh government issued safety guidelines.

The photos went viral in Armenia, with many scolding officials and other invited guests at the party for not following safety guidelines.

Pashinyan said that none of the people around him at the party have contracted the disease since all were following social distance rules.