Health minister warns of rising coronavirus cases in Armenia

Armenia's minister of health on Thursday reported the cabinet on a steady increase in the registered cases of COVID-19, stressing the importance of stepping up precautionary meaures to contain the further spread of the disease.

Anahit Avanesyan said that 16% of tests come back positive now against the 5%-6%  in January or early February. She also presented the Health Ministry’s estimates forecasting a further growth of the disease dynamics.

“We need to return to masks and the strict observance of other preventive measures. If we are willing to safeguard ourselves against further restrictions, we must need to do all our best to prevent the spread of the disease,” she added.

Avanesyan called for a tightened oversight especially in public transport, trade centers and guesthouses. She said that they also intend to strengthen the hospital resources to increase the number of intensive care beds.

The minister added that the purchase of vaccines “is slowing down a little” at the moment. “We are hopeful that we will have purchased the first consignment by late spring. The negotiations with Russia for purchasing the first batch are over at the moment,” she added.