Armenia has chances to 'break the backbone of coronavirus' - Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday hailed the past days' steady decline in the new coronavirus cases in Armenia, predicting real chances of "breaking the infection backbone" until this September. 

"The situation in Armenia has been essentially improving in the past 15 days," he told the cabinet members, citing the inspiring records reflected in the official statistics.

"For the first time since June 11, we have less than 9,000 active cases, i.e. - a total of 8,877 patients testing positive or still undergoing treatment as of yesterday. This is the lowest ever recorded decline since June 11. Armenia has thus a real chance to break the backbone of this pandemic. This implies responsibility on the part of each and every of us," Pashinyan said, praising also the police for a stricter surveillance (in terms of enforcing masks-wearing and social distancing).

He also made a call for a close observance of the precautionary measures at public events (weddings, funerals, etc.) in strict compliance with the rules established by the Commendant's Office.

"We rely on each and every of you to accept the challenge to enable us to eventually record the end of this crisis in September," he said, stressing also the importance of a proper vigilance.