Mass media to be allowed to publish ONLY OFFICIAL information on coronavirus in Armenia

YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Under the state of emergency bill in Armenia, the press will not be allowed to publish any news on cornavirus spread or health situation of patients apart from the official information, the bill on the state of emergency reads.

The bill clarifies that any information on coronavirus, including in the social networks spread by individuals or legal entities must be done only by citing official data.

Reports made in violation of the stipulated provisions will be subject to immediate removal by the authors.

Nationwide state of emergency over the novel coronavirus has been declared in Armeniafrom March 16th, 18:30 until April 14th, 17:00.

A special headquarters tasked with the leadership of the measures and activities will be set up, with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan serving as the commandant. The commandant’s office is composed of the Prime Minister’s Office Chief of Staff, the Minister of Emergency Situations, Minister of Healthcare, Minister of Finance, Minister of Economy, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Police Chief, Director of the National Security Service and other officials.

The measure will prohibit rallies, strikes, public events such as religious ceremonies, concerts, exhibitions, sports events, educational events, entertainment events, commemoration events. By law, a public gathering is described as a gathering of 20 or more people. Schools, universities and other educational facilities will remain closed during the state of emergency.Under the state of emergency, news media or individuals disseminating information about the novel coronavirus outbreak, including about new cases, direct contacts etc. or any information that might cause panic, will have to do so only by citing official information issued by the government.

According to the constitution, in the event of a state of emergency being declared a special session of parliament is convened by virtue of law.

By law, legislators have the power to eliminate the state of emergency or cancel the measures envisaged by the legal regime of the status by majority of votes. The legal regime of the state of emergency is again defined by law which is passed by lawmakers.

The Speaker has already asked legislators to be prepared for the emergency session.

The number of novel coronavirus infections in Armenia reached 30. One patient has recovered.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan