Hasmik Sargsyan. “There is no others’ pain, the pain is for each of us”

“Strict measures are needed to control the pandemic so that we do not have to go through the most extreme restrictions again,” said Hasmik Sargsyan, a female member of the Jermuk City Council and a physiotherapist, who has been concerned about the increase in the number of infections over the past month.

– We are studying the situation among the population, it is forbidden to enter the resort town without thermometers, especially since there are elderly patients in the resorts these days. In July-November of last year, an active increase of the infection was registered in Jermuk, we do not want it to be repeated, today we are trying to prevent the spread of the infection.

According to Hasmik Sargsyan, spring is a period of rapid spread of respiratory diseases, in which case not everyone distinguishes the symptoms of influenza and coronavirus. Many people do not go to the doctor without suspecting that they are infected with covid, they prefer to be treated at home, infecting family members, thus contributing to the spread of COVID-19.

– Tough with the members of the Council of Elders we often talk to the residents, explain the need to follow the rules of the pandemic, the need to use masks and disinfectants, however, the vigilance of the population has weakened, they are careless in the shops and markets, there is no previous discipline. Probably the only way today is to restore measures to prevent the spread of the infection in the whole territory of the republic, especially in Jermuk, – says Hasmik Sargsyan and adds that in the “Jermuk-Moscow” sanatorium / where she works today, even in the coronavirus conditions, residents of different regions of the republic rest, and since April there are places reserved in the resort from Russia.

Touching upon the aftermath of the 44-day war, Hasmik Sargsyan mentioned that the population of Jermuk is also in a stressful, depressed state of mind.

– The deterioration of the health condition caused by the pandemic and the losses were followed by the war, which with all its cruelty disrupted the life of the city. During the war, Vayots Dzor region also suffered, we have victims and wounded. The loss of the 44-day war, the pain of the missing, the condition of the wounded, the future status of the captives are the main topics of conversation. Jermuk is a small town, we all know each other, there is no pain of others, the pain is for each of us, we have not yet regained consciousness. And the body loses resistance to stress, becomes more receptive to virus. While many have become indifferent to the infection, some believe that if they have already been infected, treated, they will not be infected. But there are conscientious residents who have not lost vigilance, are careful with themselves, and with the health of others, says the doctor.

Due to the war, people moved to Armenia from different parts of Artsakh, including Jermuk. The staff of the city authorities provided medical and psychological assistance to the people of Artsakh, particularly the staff of the Jermuk-Moscow sanatorium. Many of them returned home after the war.

During the conversation with the doctor-council of elders, we also touched upon the unresolved issue of Jermuk, the development of the Amulsar mine, as a result of which environmental problems and health problems arose among the population. The doctor reminded that the Jermuk City Council had written a letter to the Armenian government demanding to stop the exploitation of the mine, as it damages the reputation of the resort town rich in unique mineral waters. To date, the issue of further development of the mine has not been resolved.

Nevertheless, the good news is that children are being born again in Jermuk. According to Hasmik Sargsyan, many families are encouraged by the state support to have a third, fourth, even fifth child, that even middle-aged women have children.

Speaking about the interrupted programs for the development of the city due to the pandemic, Hasmik Sargsyan expressed hope that people are still in a kind of despair, but the city and the population will find themselves again, the streets and parks will be filled with children’s laughter, tourists will visit the host city again. Life will go on, and people will continue to live with the pain of memory and loss, as they have throughout human history.

Full text in Armenian