YEREVAN: Armenia on Saturday extended by another 30 days the state of emergency that it declared last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected nearly 1,000 people.
Armenia has closed educational institutions, halted all public transportation and barred foreigners from entering.
The former Soviet country, which has population of 3 million, has also said it will postpone a referendum on changes to the Constitutional Court until after the emergency.
The decision to extend the state of emergency, announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is expected to be formally approved by parliament next week.
Pashinyan said that certain business activities, including fishing, agriculture and cigarette production, would still be allowed despite the state of emergency.
The country has recorded 966 infections, with 13 deaths.
The European Union said this week it was ready to provide 92 million euros ($100 million) to help support Armenia's economy and healthcare system as it fights the outbreak. ($1 = 0.9205 euros) (Reporting by Nvard Hovhannisyan Writing by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber Editing by Frances Kerry)
