Armenia confirms its first coronavirus case

The Ministry of Health has confirmed Armenia's first case of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. The virus was detected in an Armenian citizen who had returned from Iran.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the patient has been admitted to Nork Infectious Diseases Hospital and is in a satisfactory condition. Specialists are tracing the patient's contacts.

The government had earlier temporarily closed the land border with Iran to travellers and suspended flights to that country. Iran has become one of the largest outbreaks outside China.

Authorities urged people to observe hygiene rules and, if they develop symptoms, to call the hotline rather than visit clinics.