Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received Special Advisor to the WHO Europe Regional Director Michel Thieren who is heading a mission to explore the coronavirus situation in Armenia and present corresponding recommendations.

Prime Minister Pashinyan appreciated the ongoing close cooperation between the Armenian government and the World Health Organization, as well as the Organization’s technical support in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the fact of close partnership with the international partners in this process and stated that the crisis will be possible to overcome through joint efforts.

Michel Thieren conveyed his impressions from the visits paid to Armenia’s hospitals. He stressed that he was impressed by the ongoing anti-crisis campaign and the conditions available in Armenia’s hospitals.

Mr. Thieren noted that the information about the pandemic is not complete in the world, which makes specialists and experts present not so similar views on the fight against the pandemic. In this context, he highlighted the need and effectiveness of wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and washing hands frequently. He underscored that people should avoid mass gatherings and indoor events.

The WHO mission head said there should be no choice between putting the economy into a lockdown and re-opening it: experience shows that people should get used to living in such conditions by observing the prescribed behavioral rules for tackling COVID-19. He called for closer cooperation between government agencies and local authorities in the fight against the pandemic in terms of taking steps aimed at detecting and managing the infection.

At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the need for continued exchange of experience between the Armenian Healthcare Ministry and the World Health Organization.