On 14 March, under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, the Government held a consultation on the development of a policy package on counteracting the negative effects of the spread of coronavirus on the Armenian economy.

Deputy Prime Minister said:

“As you know, a new type of coronavirus, in addition to damaging human lives and health, is also causing significant damage to the world economy, as well as to certain individual countries and certain problems and adverse effects. And, in particular, in Armenia it is very visible in the tourism sector, which is natural.

Today, we will discuss the suggestions made by various agencies. I believe that in the very short term we will complete an action plan that will allow us to some extent prevent and mitigate the consequences, as well as create some opportunities in the future.

But besides socio-economic issues, I would also like to inform those present about the work being carried out, it can be said, on a 24-hour basis. All of you have already been informed about the newly discovered cases and these cases are mainly from the circle of those who are in quarantine and are part of a well-known engagement party.

A single headquarters is being formed with the participation of the Ministry of Health, law enforcement agencies, staff of inspection, which is engaged in search activities and at the moment these works are being implemented quite effectively. Our office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be working on a daily basis. “

Discussions focused on identifying and evaluating potential impacts on Armenia’s economy to the fullest extent possible. In-depth reference was made to various socio-economic incentives and tools depending on the different scenarios of event development. The participants submitted initial proposals, and it was decided that an economic task force would be formed under the office of the Deputy Prime Minister to continue work on a daily basis and to present a single set of actions.