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A total of 8 coronavirus patients are put on ventilators in Armenia, Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan told reporters at the National Assembly on Wednesday, presenting fresh figures.

80 patients with COVID-19 are in grave condition, while 30 others are in critical condition at the moment, the minister said.

According to the minister, the number of patients with pneumonia is growing based on the rise in the confirmed coronavirus cases.

“Following the developments in the world, when the samples kept in other countries are checked to find out when the first case of the infection has been recorded in their countries, I have ordered an examination of the samples we had in December, January and February. If it is found, I will also announce that the disease hit the country earlier, but it’s little likely, as we have been examining the suspicious cases since at least the beginning of February,” Torosyan said.

Asked what consequences the relaxations of coronavirus measures can have in the country, the health minister said that it may trigger an increase in the infections, however it is not possible to keep the economy permanently closed.

"We have to learn to live [with coronavirus], while how quickly and swiftly the learning process will pass depends on all of us. Because if we learn in a painful way, that is, if there are numerous deaths, it will be a misfortune for all of us, but we have no other option, we have to learn to live by the new rules: to wear masks, maintain social distance and disinfect our hands,” he stressed.

Asked whether people develop immunity after recovering from coronavirus, the minister said it will become clear in three years.

Torosyan said Russia will provide Armenia with tests to check the immunity soon.