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Armenia may need to reimpose restrictions if coronavirus cases keep rising, a senior official from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health told a news conference on Thursday.

The health authorities reported 748 more COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, marking a renewed surge in the daily number of confirmed cases.

Romella Abovyan said if people and businesses follow the safety rules, there will be no need for restrictions, otherwise Armenia may be faced with the situation that existed in October 2020.

The epidemiologist urged people to wear face masks, frequently wash hands and practice social distancing.

The official said most studies have confirmed that mask wearing is effective in preventing the spread of the disease.

"When face masks became mandatory on June 6 last year, following the two hidden periods of the disease, we recorded a 2.8-fold decrease in the rate," said the doctor, adding that later in mid-July and August the case numbers fell sharply.

Citing another study, Abovyan said coronavirus antibodies last for up to 8 months, but it depends on the individual's immune system, adding in some cases antibody levels may decline in a month or two.

The health official advised those who have already beaten the disease to follow the safety rules because it remains unclear whether antibodies could protect against new COVID-19 strains.