LOS ANGELES, CA – The Pan Armenian Council of Western United States of America (PAC-WUSA) has been in consultations with representatives of its member organizations to assess the situation, in light of the public health crisis, and receive reports about ongoing relief efforts.  PAC-WUSA and its member organizations stand in solidarity with all of humanity in an effort to confront and defeat the current pandemic.

The health and well-being of the Armenian nation – the countries of Armenia and Artsakh, and communities across our diaspora – are priceless.  The life of every Armenian is precious.

Here in southern California, we extend our love, concern, and good wishes to members of the Armenian community.  We advise members of our community to abide by all federal, state, and local government orders and restrictions.  We echo the guidelines of public health institutions and urge members of our community to shelter at home and follow social distancing.

It has been brought to PAC-WUSA’s attention that there are individuals who are attempting to take advantage of the current crisis by falsely portraying themselves as charitable organizations collecting funds to assist those in need at this time.  We recommend that members of our community be vigilant and not fall victim to scams and fraudulent activity.  When in doubt, do not give in to such demands.  Ask the authorities or someone who you trust to determine the legitimacy of those soliciting donations.

Rest assured, many of PAC-WUSA’s member organizations are providing emergency assistance and resources to individuals and families in need.  We encourage our community to join such efforts, and especially assist those who are most vulnerable.

This week’s passage of $2 trillion in emergency relief funds by the United States government will, among other things, provide a one-time payment of $1,200 to each adult and up to $3,000 per family.  If you or your family members require access to information or resources, please reach out to our community’s charitable, medical, advocacy or organizations, which are ready to provide valuable assistance and address your concerns.  In a subsequent communique, PAC-WUSA will release a list of helpful online links for available government and charitable resources.

Now is the time for our nation to unify, from a distance, and share the inspiring stories of community good. Now is the time to check in on our elders and parents, and to thank everyone on the front lines of this crisis – doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, sanitation workers, truck and delivery drivers, and owners of markets and restaurants – who work diligently and remind us that staying home is a necessary and serious life-saving measure.

While you and your family are safe at home and as a friendly reminder, March and April 2020 are designated as ideal months to complete the 2020 U.S. Census for your entire household.  We encourage members of our community to take advantage of this period at home and submit the Census form by following the recommendations of HyeCount.  For additional information about the 2020 Census, visit HyeCount.org online.

The PAC-WUSA wishes you and your family members good health, strength, safety, and vigilance.  We will overcome this crisis together and be stronger than ever.

Pan Armenian Council of Western United States of America and its member organizations.

Armenian Assembly of America

Armenian Bar Association

Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg of North America

Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Western District

Armenian General Benevolent Union, Western District

Armenian Evangelical Union of North America

Armenian Missionary Association of America

Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region

Armenian Relief Society of Western USA

Armenian Revolutionary Federation of Western USA

Armenian Society of Los Angeles – Iranahay Miutyun

Armenian Youth Association of California – Irakahay Miutyun

Armenian Youth Federation of Western USA

Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of the Western USA

Homenetmen Western USA

Iraqi Armenian Family Association of Los Angeles

Kessab Educational Association

Organization of Istanbul Armenians

Service Employees International Union – Armenian Caucus

Southern California Armenian Democrats

Tekeyan Cultural Association

Unified Young Armenians

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America

An internal government report found that one hospital was so short of thermometers it could screen staff and patients for coronavirus only at random.

By Laura Strickler, Hannah Rappleye, Dan De Luce and Ken Dilanian

WASHINGTON — Hospitals across the country face dire shortages of vital medical equipment amid the coronavirus outbreak — including testing kits and thermometers — and fear they can’t ensure the safety of health care workers needed to treat patients with COVID-19, according to an internal government watchdog report released Monday.

The alarming findings, based on interviews conducted from March 23 to March 27, represent the first government assessment of how the country’s hospitals are coping with the outbreak and confirm previous media reports and warnings from health workers that the medical system is under unprecedented strain.

Hospital administrators also said conflicting guidance from federal, state and local governments on how to use personal protective gear and other issues has led to “a greater sense of confusion, fear and distrust among staff that they can rely on hospital procedures to protect them,” according to the report from the inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS.

Equipment provided to hospitals from the federal government fell far short of what was needed and was sometimes not usable or of low quality, said the report, which was based on interviews with administrators from 324 hospitals and hospital networks of varying sizes.

As of April 5 data, 146 patients infected with novel coronavirus in Armenia suffer from pneumonia, 35 of which are in severe condition and receive oxygen at the hospital, the country’s Health Minister Arsen Torosyan said during a Facebook live on Monday. As the minister said, the health condition of 8 patients is assessed as critical.

According to the latest update, some 1500 citizens are placed in quarantine, while 5000 are self-isolated with special instructions. 400 more citizens were released from isolation places.

In the minister’s words, the hospital-bed capacity for coronavirus infected patients is 1400 in Armenia, half of which is currently occupied.

“The part of the patients with no or mild symptoms are not placed at hospitals and are in hotels under medical care,” the minister said.

By Nick Kampouris

Many parts of northern and central Greece remain covered by a thick white blanket of snow, a highly unusual occurrence in April.

This rare spring snow that arrived in Greece several days ago, continues to surprise those living in the northern parts of the mainland of the country.

Instead of flowers and bees, millions of Greeks continue to see snow-covered mountains reminiscent of Christmas.

On Saturday, the more mountainous parts of Evrytania and Phthiotis in Western Greece, as well as areas in Thessaly, received heavy snowfall.

Some parts saw more than 30 centimeters of snow in just a few hours.

Temperatures are expected to remain low for the next two to three days in most parts of the country.

Armenian deputy prime minister Tigran Avinyan introduced the Covid-19 Armenia app

According to his Facebook post, “the most important point of the application is the medical testing of users. As a result of answers to a number of questions, the system evaluates your health status and, if necessary, advises what steps should be taken.”

“Epidemiologists of the commandant’s office will contact users at risk and hold an interview to decide whether this person needs further medical attention,” he noted

The Covid-19 Armenia application is multifunctional and also includes the latest news about Armenian measures to combat coronavirus, medical tips on how to avoid infection in different situations, the latest statistics related to coronavirus and so on, he added.

Covid-19 Armenia is available on Google Play and AppStore.

Fifty-two COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Armenia, National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
The total number has reached 822

According to the latest data, 57 people recovered, 7 patients died.