The decision of the government on the eighth measure of neutralization of the economic consequences of the coronavirus concerns the employees of the most affected sectors and individual entrepreneurs due to the spread of the coronavirus.

In response to the question of Iravaban.net about the amount of support within the scope of the program, the Assistant to the Prime Minister Nairi Sargsyan provided details.

It should be noted that if in January-February 2020 the average monthly salary of an employee exceeded the minimum salary – 68,000 drams, the support will be 50% of the average monthly salary he received during those months. That amount cannot be less than 68,000 drams less than the minimum monthly salary and cannot be more than twice the monthly minimum salary.

If in January-February 2020 the employee’s average monthly salary is less than the minimum salary – 68,000 drams, the support will be the average monthly salary he received during those months.

Support for individual entrepreneurs working in the affected sectors will amount to 10% of the sales turnover of the private sector in the 4th quarter of 2019, but this amount cannot be more than twice the monthly minimum wage.

Let’s add that the provision of support is envisaged as lump sum, that is, once.

It should be reminded that the most affected areas within this program are:

• Hotel and hostel services,
• Public catering services,
• Travel services,
• Hairdressing and beauty salon services,
• Retail services, including shopping at the mall or at the point of sale.

Later, on 16 March, by another government decision, these areas were expanded to include the following areas:

• Land transport activities (route transport),
• Preschool education (private kindergartens)
• Sports activities (sports clubs, swimming pools),
• Entertainment and other leisure activities (except for computer games and Internet clubs).

There are also exceptions to the rule that retail services, which sell food, tobacco, alcohol or drugs, regardless of quantity, are not affected.

It should be noted that the support is intended for hired workers, not employers. Citizens who were employees of the affected sector from 13 to 30 March, 2020 may receive assistance.