Armenian Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan told reporters today in Yerevan that the government has defined those “risk groups” that will receive some type of coronavirus vaccine first and that their numbers comprise 10-15% of the overall population.

"Depending on the price of the vaccine and our capabilities, we must do everything to increase this number," Avanesyan said after leaving a government cabinet session.

Officials have said that vaccines will first go to residents and employees of nursing homes, medical personnel, those aged 65 and older and patients with chronic diseases. The next group to get the vaccine will include teachers, civil servants, military personnel, justice sector employees and people working on public transport.

Avanesyan said the vaccination program is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition to the Russian Sputnik vaccine, negotiations are underway regarding the procurement of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

At the cabinet session, concerns were voiced about the increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Armenia.

According to health authorities, 491 Armenians tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and 360 others on Tuesday, dramatically up from the daily number of cases registered by them in February.

"Apart from rallies, hundreds of thousands of citizens go without masks. The decrease in the percentage of coronavirus disease had caused a certain weakening of vigilance. Those who do not comply with the law should be fined," the minister said.

Avanesyan urged law enforcement to enforce indoor physical distancing and mask wearing rules.