Georgia to Launch Coronavirus Close Contact App

Deputy Health Minister of Georgia Tamar Gabunia announced today that Georgia is working on launching an app that allows people to check whether they have been near a person who has been confirmed or suspected of having the coronavirus.

“We are planning to introduce this model. We are in close cooperation with Austria in this regard. They have shared their knowledge, and we are currently working to adapt the model to our country”, Gabunia said.

If an app user is diagnosed with the virus, his/her recent contacts shall receive messages advising them to isolate. Many consider this strategy replete with negative implications for people's privacy, yet the researchers argue it is nonetheless worth pursuing given the unthriving efforts to contain the pandemic. Moreover, the app would be an optional measure that persons could voluntarily choose to adopt.

By Elene Dzebisashvili