Armenia suspends classes amid coronavirus fears

Classes in Armenian kindergartens, schools, universities and colleges have been suspended for one week after the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the country, the minister of education, science, culture and sport said in a live video on Facebook.

The spring holidays at schools expected in late March will be moved to March 2-8, Arayik Harutyunyan said.

The decision was made at a consultation in attendance of the Armenian prime minister, health minister and other officials.

“We believe that one week is enough to ease the tensions. The health, trust, and safety of our children are of paramount importance to us,” the minister said, adding the suspension of classes is also a precautionary measure for coronavirus.

Armenia reported its first coronavirus infection on Sunday in a 29-year-old citizen returning from Iran. Authorities have also quarantined around 30 people who have been in contact with the man.