Wearing a face mask in public outdoor spaces will be mandatory in Armenia as of November 1.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement released today, reported that the mandate is necessary to reduce the growing Covid-19 infection rate in the country.

The ministry reports that 2,193 of the 14,574 individuals tested for the coronavirus yesterday tested positive. 52 died from the virus overnight, raising the death toll to 6,284.

The following groups will be exempted from the mandate:

• Children under the age of six.
• Those attending and speaking at official ceremonies presided by the President, the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, Constitutional Court President, Supreme Judicial Council President, except for reporters and service staffers.
• Those with chronic respiratory diseases, provided that these individuals carry medical proof of such ailments.
• Those exercising or cycling.
• Those participating in excursions, walks, etc. in special outdoor designated recreation areas (beaches, mountains, forests, etc.). Wearing a mask is mandatory at public parks, zoos and historical sites.
• Those with cognitive disorders.
• Masks can be removed when smoking, drinking and eating.

  620,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, donated by Norway as part of the Team Europe initiave, arrived in Armenia today.