Thursday, 12 March 2020
The government continues to prevent coronavirus: strict controls are in place at all checkpoints
A Cabinet meeting was held today, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan.
Before proceeding to the agenda, the Deputy Prime Minister asked about the ongoing campaign against the spread of coronavirus. Details were given by Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan and Head of the Bureau for the Coordination of Inspection Bodies Artur Asoyan. In particular, it was noted that the situation is under control; tighter checkup arrangements are in place at all border checkpoints, including the airports.
Tigran Avinyan reminded that there will be one charter flight from Rome to Armenia on Sunday, March 15. Touching upon the need to suspend classes at general educational institutions, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that a decision to that effect at least calls for concrete substantiations testifying to the spread of the virus.
“Our cases are localized and specific: all those infected with the virus have been under control from the outset, and there is no need to discuss such an issue, no reason for panic. In fact, we have the minimum number of infected people in the region, and all the checkpoints are strictly controlled,” Tigran Avinyan said. He noted that daily work is being done with all relevant agencies, and a decision will be made within one day, if necessary.
The Government approved the Armenian Virtual Bridge Program. The Ministry of High-Tech Industry has developed a program that will help us become a competitive and technologically developed country in the region. As a result, 45 Armenian entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to visit the Center for Science and Innovation - Silicon Valley in 2020 to gain entrepreneurial knowledge, acquire skills necessary for better presentation of their products, as well as to meet with investors and venture capital holders.
Our country thereby will have the opportunity to get in touch with the world’s leading technology centers using the Diaspora’s potential. The program’s most important component is the establishment of Armenia’s technological representation in Silicon Valley.
In a bid to improve the living conditions of and the quality of services provided to people living in boarding institutions, the Government amended one of its previous decisions. The amendments provide for the creation of small community homes for the elderly in line with the Government’s idea to deinstitutionalize care services.
A small home for the elderly is a new type of structure, different from the care homes currently operational. Each elderly person should be offered at least 6 square meters of living space and each room should house a maximum of two people.
