Etchmiadzin Mayor Diana Gasparyan issued a statement saying:

“Dear fellow citizens,

As a preventive measure for the spread of the new coronavirus infection, benches in the central part of the city have been temporarily removed today, especially for our elderly fellow citizens who have the habit of sitting in groups.

If it will be needed to remove the permanent benches as well for the sake of preventing your health or disassemble the arbors, we will do it, but at this difficult time in the city you can avoid these processes that take away human and financial resources if you stay at home and urge your elder family members to do the same.

Please be conscious and help us. This is the only way to prevent the spread of the infection.

Benches will be restored to their former place after the end of strict conditions of emergency.”