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Despite all efforts, some forces and people are trying to undermine confidence in coronavirus vaccines, Armenia’s Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan told lawmakers in the parliament on Thursday, emphasizing that they will fight strongly against this phenomenon.

Presenting the part of a report on the implementation of the government’s 2020 action plan concerning the healthcare sector, the minister underlined that the vaccination program is considered as a remedy for overcoming the infection, which would pave the way for the return to normal life and removal of mask mandates “disliked” by all, as well as economic and travel restrictions.

Avanesyan said that 595,000 COVID-19 tests were carried out in Armenia in 2020, as a result of which 159,000 positive cases were registered. As of December 31 of the past year, 1,870 patients had received treatment for the disease, she said.

According to the minister, 2,828 deaths from coronavirus had been recorded as of the same day.

Anahit Avanesyan said that last year more than 40,000 coronavirus patients received medical care in hospitals, expressing gratitude to frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic.

"Today the COVID-19-related situation is still tense but stable. On a daily basis, 800-900 more patients receive medical care at home under the supervision of polyclinics," the minister said.

She noted that massive COVID-19 vaccinations started in Armenia a few days ago, adding during the process a citizen stays in hospital for only half an hour after the vaccination.