President Sets an Example: No Birthday Party for Me

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili released a video address on March 18, saying that she has not celebrated her birthday amid the spread of the new coronavirus and urges citizens to take an example from her.

“Today, I don't have friends at home, and I'm not celebrating my birthday. Previously, it was a tradition for me to celebrate this day with my family and loved ones, however, now we should all realize there is no time for celebrations, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, etc. We have to postpone all public gatherings and celebrations for a while,” the President said in her video address released yesterday. 

She noted that this is a difficult period for everyone and called on the population to stand together in this fight against the pandemic.  

"This is the challenge we have to face together, but remotely," she said. 

In addition, Zurabishvili thanked everyone for her birthday wishes. "I would like to express my gratitude to you for remembering this day despite this difficult situation. Thank you for your kind birthday wishes," she noted. 

The number of cases of the new coronavirus has increased to 40 in Georgia.

Currently, there are 1,344 people in quarantine and 216 under supervision at hospitals throughout the country.

One out of 40 patients has been recovered and discharged from the Infections Hospital, however, the citizen remains in self-isolation. 

By Ana Dumbadze