ArmInfo. The US Embassy in Armenia monitors and follows the directions of the governments of Armenia and the United States for protection against coronavirus. US ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy said this on May 21 during a video conference. At the same time, the diplomat added that the embassy staff does not move without protective equipment and follow all the instructions of the commandant's office.
At the same time, she noted that the embassy continues to operate in a pandemic with the involvement of a minimum number of employees, but striving to ensure the full functioning of the entire system. Speaking about the interaction with the Armenian government in combating the pandemic, Tracy noted that Armenia will be additionally provided with $ 1 million of assistance through the Global Health Fund, and thus the total amount of American assistance will reach $ 5.4 million.
According to her, the funds will be directed to strengthening and developing laboratory opportunities of Armenia, as well as providing treatment by the RA government for seriously ill coronavirus infection. The diplomat added that the USA has always provided assistance to the healthcare system of Armenia, and over the past 20 years, about $ 106 million through USAID have been directed to strengthen the capabilities of this sectore, including the modernization of 2/3 outpatient facilities in rural areas of the republic. According to her, since October 2019, there has been interaction with the ICRC in Armenia to strengthen opportunities in a state of emergency.
Tracy stated that due to this interaction, 8000 unsecured families in the RA were provided with hygiene and essential necessities. At the same time, she informed that another $ 1.2 million from other regions was redirected to Armenia and they will go on providing small grants to small businesses in rural areas. She also praised the transparent and open activities of the Armenian government in a pandemic. According to her, such a method of action strengthens public confidence in the authorities.