CRC Response to COVID-19
In Armenia, the International Committee of the Red Cross has adjusted, to the extent possible, its humanitarian programs to the needs and challenges emerged from the spread of the COVID-19 infection. As the Organization reported in a released press statement, in its response, the ICRC has focused on harder-to-reach areas, such as communities located close to the international border with Azerbaijan, and areas where it has recognized experience and added value, such as detention, emergency healthcare, protection and acting as a neutral intermediary upon need. The ICRC collaborates closely and works in complementarity with the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) supporting their COVID-19 emergency response activities.
It is noted that 550 posters on the prevention of COVID-19 spread and self-protection were distributed in around 40 border communities of Tavush, Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions, in cooperation with the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS).
6 regional hospitals in Tavush, Ararat and Vayots Dzor regions received disinfection kits, protective gear and cleaning material for infection prevention and control, including: 11,200 gloves, 3,600 surgical masks, 500 surgical caps, 1,892 disposable and reusable medical gowns, 9 infrared thermometers, 432 liters of liquid soap, 240 liters of disinfectants, 3,600 garbage bags and more
As the source detailed, 60 tablets were donated through cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia to support distance learning of children cut off the schooling process because of COVID-19. Jointly with the ARCS, the tablets were provided to children from vulnerable families in conflict-affected communities of Tavush, Vayots Dzor and Ararat regions.
2,500 leaflets and 60 posters on COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures were distributed to detainees in all the 12 penitentiaries in Armenia, in coordination with the Ministry of Justice of Armenia. The same leaflets were produced in Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Russian and English for foreign detainees. COVID-19 guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Armenia as well as psychological reference materials produced by the ICRC Delegation in Armenia were printed and distributed to all the detention facilities including the penitentiary hospital.
According to the source,12 detention centers benefited from the ICRC’s donation of a three-month stock of hygiene and disinfecting materials as well as medical equipment, such as:
9,600 gloves, 4,800 surgical masks, 400 surgical caps, 472 disposable and reusable protective medical gear, 12 infrared non-contact thermometers, 12 goggles, 4 pulse oximeters and other items, including 100 bed sheet sets and 50 blankets,13,800 soap bars, 576 liters of liquid soap, 480 liters of disinfecting liquid, 4,800 garbage bags, as well as buckets, disinfectant sprayers and dispensers have been donated to all the 12 detention places, which will suffice their need for disinfecting and cleaning materials for three months.