On 8 June, Armenia’s health officials reported only 73 new cases of Covid-19 and 0 deaths for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

In total, 1,108,066 Covid-19 tests have been performed in the country of 3 million since 1 March 2020, when the first case was detected. The total number of confirmed cases currently stands at 223,285 with 214,609 recovered and 4,463 deaths. Optimistic news also came from the country’s tourism sector. President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan said that the tourism sector was showing positive signs. “At the moment people arrive in Armenia mainly from those countries where the borders are open, such as Russia, Georgia, Iran, US, Ukraine and several European countries. This year in the first quarter there have been nearly 86,000 visits, which is quite high compared to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters of 2020 – 65,000 in total,” he highlighted. 

Azerbaijan also reported a encouraging trend, reporting only 32 new cases of the virus and 4 deaths and bringing the total tally to 334,747 cases and 4,945 deaths. 

However, the country’s Cabinet of Ministers warned that some restaurants in the country are not adhering to the rules of the strict quarantine regime. “Several restaurants, inviting foreign singers, hold mass events and announce the organisation of new concerts, which demonstratively violate the rules of a special quarantine regime and create conditions for mass infection of citizens,” the statement said. “The Operational Headquarters declares that strict measures will be taken in accordance with the law in relation to catering facilities and their owners who have committed such violations,” it added. It was also reported that since 7 June, the vaccine rollout of Pfizer officially started in the country. 

Meanwhile in Georgia, the World Bank approved $34.5 million in additional financing today to support the country’s efforts to provide affordable and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines. The funding will help ensure effective vaccine deployment in the country by strengthening the vaccination system. The additional financing will support the acquisition and deployment of Covid-19 vaccines, including syringes and other supplies, vaccine logistics and distribution, planning and management, vaccine-related communication and outreach, training, and overall health system strengthening. 

In addition, the US embassy in Georgia stated that the country would be among the first ones, besides Ukraine and Kosovo, to receive vaccines from the US. “This week President Biden announced that the United States will share COVID-19 vaccines with Georgia, because none of us are safe until all of us are safe. Georgia, Ukraine, and Kosovo are the first three European countries to receive vaccines from the United States, based on regional priorities and partnerships. The United States is also committed to supporting economic recovery from the pandemic,” the statement underscored. Latvia also granted 15,000 doses of vaccine to Georgia. The Georgian authorities also started the immunisation of people working in the tourism sector.

In the past 24 hours, Georgia reported 1,023 new cases of the virus and 17 deaths, bringing the total tally to 350,428 cases, 335,029 recoveries and 4,951 deaths.