Today, the Republic of Armenia reported its biggest one-day jump in new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the outbreak in the country as the government has been gradually easing the lockdown and the state of emergency.
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Armenia confirmed 134 new coronavirus cases and 2 new deaths, on Thursday, April 30, taking the total number of cases to 2,066, per Armenia’s Ministry of Health.
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The 31st and 32nd COVID-19 fatalities were a 69-years-old and 47-years-old, with the latter having underlying chronic diseases, per Alina Nikoghosyan, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.
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Out of the 2,066 total cases, 929 people recovered (29 Today) and 32 patients with underlying health conditions died. The remaining 1,103 are active cases, per Alina Nikoghosyan, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. To date, 21,125 negative coronavirus tests have been conducted in Armenia, added Nikoghosyan.
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Today, Health Minister Arsen Torosyan announced that 17 coronavirus patients in Armenia are in a critical condition, while 59 are in a serious condition. Adding that if the dynamic remain unchanged, the Health Minister said, the country will stop hospitalizing patients with no symptoms. Torosyan also revealed that one of the carriers has attended a funeral which has resulted in the spike of infections on Thursday.
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The previous largest jump was announced on April 1 when 92 cases were reported. Cases began to decline after that, dropping to as low as 11 on April 5 and 16 on April 9.
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The government has been easing or lifting some of the restrictions imposed as part of the state of emergency. Textile manufacturers have already started operations, construction is underway, dental clinics are working too, while people are now allowed to go for a walk near their homes. The Commandant’s office will most likely allow the reopening of beauty and hairdressing salons beginning from May 4. The possibility of opening cafes with outdoor seating will be considered in the near future, while all the other food facilities will follow afterwards.
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In recent weeks, quarantine has been poorly observed in Armenia, which might have caused the jump in the number of new carriers. Many ignore the demand to practice social distancing and self-isolate both in Yerevan and the provinces. Despite calls from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Health Minister Arsen Torosyan to stay at home, some streets of the capital are again crowded.
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Armenia has extended the state of emergency in the country by May 14 and restricted the movement of citizens.
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The Editor
