Armenian PM explains why his government extends state of emergency
13.04.2020,
15:37
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed today the reasons behind his government's decision to extend the state of emergency by another 30 days.
YEREVAN, April 13. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed today the reasons behind his government's decision to extend the state of emergency by another 30 days.
Armenia had first declared a 30-day state of emergency on March 16 in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus Covid 19.
Speaking at an emergency Cabinet meeting today Pashinyan said it was very important that the situation with the disease was under the authorities control, but he added that the risk would increase after the government decided to allow the reopening of some businesses, banned earlier.
He said the reopening is important because otherwise some business types would be ruined contributing to the social and economic woes. Pashinyan said the reopening of some businesses has increased the risk that more people may get infected, unless citizens follow strict anti-epidemiological hygiene measures.
"If they are correctly observed, the likelihood of infection will be significantly lower; on the other hand, if we are expanding the field of economic activity, we are increasing the risks. The restrictions cause other risks, and we must maintain this regime so that the government task force coordinating anti-coronavirus measures can quickly respond to the situation," said Pashinyan.
In addition, according to him, the restrictions on the media are completely lifted under the condition that the authorities will conduct a monitoring of media to understand if they were able to adapt to the information policy.
"If risks arise, we will make changes and restore the regime of restrictions," Pashinyan said.
He also said the Armenia's Enforcement Service will not seize the accounts of drivers for their failure to pay the fines for breach of traffic rules.
"We will continue to work in this mode, hoping that we are able to keep the situation under control. However, it depends on the individual behavior of all citizens and entrepreneurs. I hope that we can overcome the situation as quickly as possible," Pashinyan said.
As of April 13, 1039 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in Armenia. Some 211 people have recovered and 14 patients died. -0-
Armenia had first declared a 30-day state of emergency on March 16 in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus Covid 19.
Speaking at an emergency Cabinet meeting today Pashinyan said it was very important that the situation with the disease was under the authorities control, but he added that the risk would increase after the government decided to allow the reopening of some businesses, banned earlier.
He said the reopening is important because otherwise some business types would be ruined contributing to the social and economic woes. Pashinyan said the reopening of some businesses has increased the risk that more people may get infected, unless citizens follow strict anti-epidemiological hygiene measures.
"If they are correctly observed, the likelihood of infection will be significantly lower; on the other hand, if we are expanding the field of economic activity, we are increasing the risks. The restrictions cause other risks, and we must maintain this regime so that the government task force coordinating anti-coronavirus measures can quickly respond to the situation," said Pashinyan.
In addition, according to him, the restrictions on the media are completely lifted under the condition that the authorities will conduct a monitoring of media to understand if they were able to adapt to the information policy.
"If risks arise, we will make changes and restore the regime of restrictions," Pashinyan said.
He also said the Armenia's Enforcement Service will not seize the accounts of drivers for their failure to pay the fines for breach of traffic rules.
"We will continue to work in this mode, hoping that we are able to keep the situation under control. However, it depends on the individual behavior of all citizens and entrepreneurs. I hope that we can overcome the situation as quickly as possible," Pashinyan said.
As of April 13, 1039 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded in Armenia. Some 211 people have recovered and 14 patients died. -0-
