Author: Hambik Zargarian

CIVILNET.Armenia Implements Complete Lockdown Over COVID-19

Hambik Zargarian
CIVILNET.AM

03:34 

By Ani Paitjan

In a televised address on March 24 , Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country will go into complete lockdown for one week starting Tuesday, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Thousands of businesses and organizations will close their doors and only those providing basic necessities will remain open, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. This drastic measure has already been implemented in European countries and various states in the U.S.

According to Pashinyan, citizens leaving their house will only be allowed when absolutely necessary. While in the streets, individuals must have a clear explanation for where they are going when approached by authorities, and also must carry an identification card.

Earlier on March 24, the Armenian government took the decision to close all restaurants and cafes for at least a week. Citizens will be able to go to food stores, pharmacies and banks. 

 Pashinyan urged citizens to increase their use of online services until the situation is stabilized.

“Our duty now is to protect our children, our elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses. We must do everything to prevent them from being infected. Our goal is to protect vulnerable communities, as well as to prevent and limit the burden on our health system,” stated Pashinyan.

COVID-19 Numbers in Armenia

  • There are 265 cases in the country
  • 11 of the infected patients are above the age of the age of 65.
  • Five patients are above the age of 70.
  • Armenia has no cases of people over the age of 80.
  • 30 patients have pneumonia, five of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit and one of them, a patient of 77 years old, is in a critical condition.
  • 868 citizens are in self-quarantine after coming into contact with an infected person
  • 2,419 citizens are in self isolation in their homes.
  • The infected people are from eight regions: Yerevan, Armavir, Ararat, Aragatsotn, Kotayk, Syunik, Shirak and Lori.
  • 16 people recovered from the infection.
  • 1,315 people tested negative for the virus.
  • There are no deaths due to COVID-19.
 

Armenia’s ice cream production up in January

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia

A total of 85.3 thousand liters of ice cream were produced in Armenia in January 2020, up by 21.9 times over the previous year data, the National Statistical Committee (NSS) reports. As the source said, in January 2019 3.9 thousand liters of ice cream were produced in the country.

According to the figures released by the Committee, Armenia’s cream production volumes also recorded a 19.8% growth this year.

A total of 9.1 housand liters of cream were produced in the country in 2019, while the production stood at 10.9 thousand liters in January 2020.

Georgia closes borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan for 10 days

Hambik Zargarian
Vestnik Kavkaza
14 Mar in 12:00

Starting today Georgia will close borders with neighbouring Armenia and Azerbaijan for ten days to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Agenda.ge reports.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia discussed the temporary suspension of movement with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan PM Ali Asadov in telephone conversations yesterday.

The Georgian PM’s press office reported that the parties agreed to facilitate the return of their respective citizens through a humanitarian corridor.

Meanwhile, no restrictions will apply to cargo transportation as a transit corridor will also be ensured for freight. 

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has encouraged citizens to be more careful as 25 individuals have tested positive for the COVID-19 in the country. 

The Georgian government has moved into an emergency, round-the-clock regime after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the China-born coronavirus a pandemic.

GCC Moves Courses to Virtual Learning Due to Coronavirus

Hambik Zargarian

GCC logo

GLENDALE—At Glendale Community College, the highest priority is the health and safety of the students and dedicated staff balanced with fulfillment of their education mission. Throughout the spread of the coronavirus, they have been in close communication with the County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, other local and state government agencies, and internal stakeholders to address the evolving situation. According to the most recent information from the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. As of today, GCC has no confirmed evidence or notice from the California Department of Public Health about any coronavirus cases or exposure risks related to the college.

In order to contribute to the local, state, and national efforts to reduce transmission of the coronavirus, Glendale Community College is implementing a purposeful and strategic move to a virtual learning and service environment with an emphasis on supporting student needs. Therefore, GCC will move as many credit and noncredit classes taught at the Verdugo and Garfield Campuses as possible into virtual and alternate modalities – remote instruction – that do not require in-classroom activity. This action will begin on Wednesday, March 18 and extend until further notice. These courses will be offered at the same days and times as now scheduled. To prepare for this change, all classes will be closed Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. On Wednesday, March 18, classes will resume in the appropriate modality.

There will be some limited exceptions for courses that may not best be taught in an online environment, such as hands-on labs, performance classes, physical education/kinesiology, and some non-credit classes. Links to a list of these courses will be posted online. Instructors will communicate directly with students as to the environment in which classes will meet but will do everything possible to limit in-classroom requirements.

Classes will be taught in the online platform Canvas, using tools such as Canvas Conferences and Chat. Professional development support is being provided to faculty. Students and faculty with specific questions may address them via [email protected] or call Canvas 24/7 at Faculty line: 833.544.3019 or Student line: 844.600.4951. Students can find information on Canvas basics online.

Students who do not have access to computers, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi to accommodate the alternate means of instruction may checkout computers in the Verdugo Campus Library. Computers also will be available for use in the Verdugo Campus Library and in the Garfield Campus Computer Lab.

It is recognized that there are DSPS students who may need additional support to achieve a successful learning experience with the non-classroom environment. These students should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 818.240.1000 Ext. 5905 to speak with a counselor.

Academic counseling is available online for students who would like to speak with a counselor, but do not wish to come to the college for an in-person meeting. Online counseling appointments and online drop-in counseling services can be accessed through the Academic Counseling office web page.

The Verdugo and Garfield Campuses will continue to remain open and operational and all college employees will be available to support present and prospective students’ needs as we continue to assess the evolving circumstances.

All public events and other activities scheduled at the Verdugo and Garfield Campuses will continue unless they are estimated to attract more than 100 people. At this time, all college athletic, drama, music, and dance events scheduled will be held until further notice.

All non-essential college-related travel for college employees and student trips is prohibited until further notice.

College personnel will continue efforts to ensure a clean and healthy environment at the campuses through increased precautionary steps to sterilize actively used surfaces throughout the facilities. The facilities department is working to service soap dispensers in all bathrooms, clean door knobs, and other actively used surfaces with disinfectant wipes for every classroom and public area, cleaning keyboards, and actively used surfaces in computer labs.

We recognize that these are extreme measures that will not satisfy everyone. Please know that these decisions have been made with the best of intentions and a focus on health and safety. As we move forward, be prepared for more announcements as information is changing at a rapid pace. Let us stay focused on maintaining a healthy environment for all and continue to work together to strategically address other issues of operation and implementation not related directly to the health issues.

Azerbaijani press: Task Force: 312 of quarantined people due to coronavirus discharged

Hambik Zargarian

Tue 10 Mar 2020 16:10 GMT | 20:10 Local Time

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The medical examination of the persons admitted in the quarantine zones established at various hospitals in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the Azerbaijan Republic and to detect cases of contracting this infection is being continued, the Operative Task Force under the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan told APA.

According to recommendations of the World Health Organization, the quarantined persons are passed through a relevant medical examination, at the same time the samples are taken from them for laboratory analyses, and their health condition is kept under control. The persons with the confirmed contraction of the infection are immediately transferred to hospitals functioning in a special mode, and relevant measures are being taken in regard to their treatment.

According to the information as of March 10, 312 persons whose contraction of the infection hasn’t been confirmed by medical examination and laboratory analyses and whose health condition doesn’t raise suspicion have completed their quarantine period and have been released.

Currently, the medical examination of other quarantined persons is being continued.

Pashinyan: Amulsar field will not be developed if there are uncontrolled environmental risks

Hambik Zargarian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo. On March 11, as part of the “YES” campaign for the constitutional referendum scheduled for April 5, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Jermuk residents who had blocked the road to the Amulsar field.

Local residents presented to the prime minister their concerns  regarding the exploitation of the field. In particular, they noted  public health risks due to the proximity of the mine to Jermuk.  Environmental risks are also a concern, especially given the fact  that Jermuk is considered a resort area. As noted, during the  operation of the mine, the city will become unattractive to tourists,  which carries serious economic risks.  Activists assured the prime  minister that they will defend their position to the last, and will  not unblock the road, even if the government decides to give the  green light to this project. In particular, they expressed their  concerns about information on the presence of uranium in Amulsar.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan emphasized that he no less than local residents  wants to have complete information about the possible risks of  operating the field. He also assured that he was ready to delve into  the study of this issue as much as possible. According to him, if the  project carries uncontrollable environmental risks, then it will not  be implemented. The operation of the mine, as was noted, is possible  only under conditions of controlled environmental factors.

To recall, earlier this week, Minister of Nature Protection of the  Republic of Armenia Erik Grigoryan stated that the results of the  1952-1954 expedition were not taken into account when developing the  Amulsar field. According to him, in the framework of the criminal  case, the investigation will reveal whether this fact is an attempt  to conceal the results of those studies, or is this an omission on  the part of the state body.  As the Minister noted, significant  deviations were made in the implementation of the program. And if the  company has the opportunity to change them, it must do so.

Earlier, the minister noted that if the company “Lydian Armenia”,  developing the deposit, concealed or falsified data on uranium  reserves at “Amulsar”, then this will lead to serious consequences  for it. On September 5 of last year, the department addressed a  letter to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol  Pashinyan, which noted the results of the Gromov expedition conducted  in 1952-1954. The package, which concerns the presence of uranium,  was sent to the Investigative Committee, and if it turns out that the  research procedures by Lydian were violated, the company will face  serious problems.

It should be noted that despite the assurances of the Lydian company  that about $ 400 million has already been invested in the development  project of the Amulsar gold deposit, local ecologists do not share  the government’s enthusiasm about the attractiveness of the mine’s  operation plan. Environmentalists fear that the exploitation of the  field, during which sodium cyanide will be used, may lead to the  oxidation of water in rivers. Contaminated waters will become  unsuitable for drinking and irrigation and may cause irreparable harm  to the mineral springs of Jermuk and the ecosystem of Sevan. In  addition to the water basin, the public is also concerned about the  possible presence of uranium reserves in the deposit.

In his work “Uranium-bearing geological formations in Armenia>, the  famous scientist, Doctor of Geological Sciences Petros Gevorkovich  Aloyan, referring to the data of the Gromov expedition, noted that  the Amulsar occurrence of uranium is located 4 km southeast of the  village of Ketchut and 5 km to northwest of the top of the mountain  of the same name. Approximately 76 tons of uranium were calculated  for five sections of the Amulsar, and taking into account uranium in  the thorium section, its total reserves can be estimated at 100 tons.   Moreover, according to the research of another scientist, Professor  G.S.  Avagyan, according to 40 samples of Amulsar ore, there are 195  tons of uranium and thorium there.  Meanwhile, the development of  uranium deposits requires a special government permit, which Lydian  does not have. According to the company, the deposit contains about  73733 kg of gold with an average grade of 0.78 g per ton, as well as  294.367 tons of silver with an average grade of 9.29 g per ton. At  the same time, there is not a word about uranium.

Tourists canceling reservations in hotel suites in Armenia’s Tsaghkadzor

Hambik Zargarian
News.am, Armenia
March 2 2020
Tourists canceling reservations in hotel suites in Armenia’s Tsaghkadzor Tourists canceling reservations in hotel suites in Armenia’s Tsaghkadzor

22:10, 02.03.2020

After people in the coronavirus risk group were transported to Golden Palace Hotel in Tsaghkadzor, many people who had booked hotel suites canceled their reservations at hotels in the city.

Khachatur Movsisyan, a manager of one of the local hotels, informed that locals had canceled reservations for 5-6 suites.

“Before coronavirus was confirmed in Armenia, there were mainly foreigners who had canceled their reservations, but when Armenia confirmed the first case of coronavirus, the locals also canceled their reservations,” he said.

The representatives of a large hotel said everyone has gone, and the hotel’s manager, Narine Beglaryan said some people have canceled their reservations for the coming days.

The administration of the ropeway in Tsaghkadzor reported that there are fewer tourists today, which is unprecedented in this time of the year.


In parliament of Armenia, the temperature of all employees and visitors will be measured

Hambik Zargarian
Arminfo, Armenia
March 2 2020

ArmInfo. Starting Monday in the parliament of Armenia   the temperature of all employees and visitors will be measured. David Karapetyan, Advisor to the Chairman of the  National Assembly, announced this on his Facebook page.

Karapetyan stated that antibacterial hand sanitizers (alcogel) were  placed on all floors of the parliament. He asked everyone to be  conscious and respect the rules of maintaining health and hygiene.

It should be noted that on March 1, the first case of a new type of  Coronavirus was detected in Armenia.  The patient, a 29-year-old man,  arrived by plane from Tehran to Yerevan on February 28. At the time  of the flight, the epidemiologist found no symptoms of Coronavirus  among the passengers. The patient already from the house turned to  the doctors, and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Tests  confirmed Coronavirus. Meanwhile, the condition of the newcomer is  assessed as good, and already the day before he had no temperature.   We add that the service – 8003 is available around the  clock in the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Armenia. For  questions of the epidemiological situation, you can contact the  National Center for Disease Control and Prevention by calling 010 55  06 01, 010 55 03 06, 010 55 03 07.  It should be noted that, unlike  the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, it is very  difficult to find alcogel in the pharmacies of Armenia.

Former Defense Minister of Armenia charged for embezzlement

Hambik Zargarian

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 17:36, 4 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 4, ARMENPRESS. Charges are pressed against former Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan for misappropriation of property of particularly large scale, spokesperson of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia Marina Ohanjanyan told ARMENPRESS.

She added that signature bond has been chosen as a preventive measure for Ohanyan.

The amount of misappropriation amounts to over 1 billion AMD (over 2 million USD).

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Researcher Samvel Karapetyan passed away

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 27 2020

Armenian historian, researcher specializing in the study of the historical monuments of Armenia, Samvel Karapetyan passed away, Vahe Lorents, expert in tourism informed on social media.

Karapetyan is mostly known for surveying and cataloguing thousands of artifacts of Armenian history and architecture during the course of more than two decades. Serving as the head of the Yerevan branch of the NGO Research on Armenian Architecture, he headed numerous groups of Armenian specialists to old Armenian villages in Iran, Georgia and Turkey to document the historical Armenian monuments and assess their condition. He is the author of numerous scientific publications.

In 2004, Karapetyan was awarded with Mesrop Mashtots medal of the Artsakh Republic and in 2007 – with the Armenian Presidential Humanitarian Sciences Prize for his work in literature.