Armenian Restaurant Association reacts sharply to minister Torosyan's call on citizens to stop visiting restaurants

YEREVAN, June 28, /ARKA/. The Armenian Restaurant Association issued a statement in response to a call Health Minister Arsen Torosyan made today urging his fellow citizens to observe a “perceived lockdown,” and in particular, stop visiting restaurants and cafes.

'Such a categorical statement, made at the level of a member of the government is a serious concern for the representatives of our industry,' the Association said.

'Public catering facilities are operating now in strict compliance with the anti-epidemic rules developed and imposed by the office of the commandant, and there is a wide range of preventive measures against those who violate them, which have been strictly applied to date, 'according to the statement.

The statement says that such a categorical call made at a time when public catering facilities are struggling to survive amid a multiple drop in sales is tantamount to a death sentence to tens of thousands of people engaged in this industry with the inevitable consequence of losing their jobs.

'We call on the relevant bodies of the Government of the Republic of Armenia to start an urgent operative discussion with the representatives of our industry on finding a way out of the current situation,' it says. 

Earlier today, Torosyan called on Armenian citizens to limit their contacts and visits that are not of vital importance, including visits to restaurants and cafes, holiday and mourning events, trips out of town, walks and more. According to him, there is no other way to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A 30-day state of emergency to curb the spread of coronavirus was declared in Armenia on March 16 and restrictions were imposed on free movement of citizens. The government banned also some types of economic activity. On April 13, the government extended the state of emergency for another month and on May 4 it lifted the ban on almost all types of economic activity and the free movement of citizens, except for public transport. On May 14, the government has again extended the state of emergency for another 30 days.

However, despite the extension, public transport, preschools, trading centers, restaurants and gyms have reopened starting from May 18, and wearing of masks has become mandatory in public spaces.

On June 12, the government has extended the state of emergency for another month- until July

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has grown to 24,645 over the past 24 hours. The death toll from the disease has reached 426. Also, some 13,116 infected people are said to have recovered. 0-