Corona Update: Second Wave Kicks Off

On September 10, 57 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Georgia, a record high daily number for the country which brought the total number of cases seen to 1830, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) reported. Currently, there are 451 active cases in Georgia.

The number of recovered patients increased by 9 to reach 1334. 5882 people were in 14-day mandatory quarantine as of Thursday morning, and 390 were under medical examination.

19 people have died of the virus in the country since March.

The Interagency Coordinating Council led by the Prime Minister this week once again called on businesses and citizens to follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Healthcare, and specialists, as much as possible in order to avoid additional regulations being imposed.

Council members stressed on Monday that despite the increasing numbers, the government is fully in control of the situation in terms of limiting the spread of the virus.

Adjara- The Red Zone?

Marina Ezugbaia, the Medical Director of the Tbilisi Infectious Diseases Hospital, has clarified details of the sources of the 57 new coronavirus cases detected in Georgia on Wednesday-Thursday, claiming that 27 of the 57 were detected in the Adjara region.

"Of 57 infected people, 5 are from the confectionery 'Dona' cluster, 14 were infected in Batumi, 18 are contacts of confirmed patients, four have travel history in Adjara, three are imported cases, and five are medical staff. We have eight cases for which the source is yet to be confirmed, and epidemiological studies are ongoing," she said.

On Tuesday, Ezugbaia noted that the increasing number of coronavirus cases indicates that the spread of the virus in Georgia has become intense, yet she stated that locking down Adjara is not being considered at this stage. "However, the implementation of the recommendations and safety measures should be strengthened," she emphasized.

"Adjara is now a red zone in terms of virus spread," she added.

Culture

The opening of theaters, cinemas and children's entertainment centers has been postponed by a month, until November 1, Natia Mezvrishvili, the head of the government administration, announced on Wednesday.

“The epidemiological situation is quite alarming. Effective tomorrow, the Interagency Coordination Council has decided to impose certain restrictions and tighten specific regulations,” she said.

"From September 10, cultural and sports events with the participation of more than 200 people will be banned," Mezvrishvili noted, adding that the appropriate sanctions are being imposed for non-compliance with these regulations, and that “society needs to show high civil responsibility.”

She explained that the above regulation applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, gatherings have also been banned in open space nightclubs.

"Such events carry the risk of the rapid spread of the virus," Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated at Thursday’s government meeting.

It was also decided to ban social events, such as anniversaries, weddings, funeral ceremonies and other rituals, from September 10.

"Social events, such as anniversaries, weddings, funeral ceremonies and other ritual will be banned due to the epidemiological situation. This restriction was already in force in closed areas, however, from September 10, it will also apply to open spaces," Mezvrishvili said.

"Events related to Tbilisoba 2020 will not be held due to the epidemiological situation," Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced the same day.

Tbilisoba is an annual October festival which celebrates the diversity and history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

He explained that this time, only concerts will be scheduled for the Tbilisoba celebration, which will be live-streamed.

"The health and safety of our citizens is of the utmost importance for us. Therefore, Tbilisoba City Fest events will be canceled. We will work with the Culture Service to plan only live-streaming concerts,” noted Kaladze.

Gov’t Decisions

On Monday, the Government of Georgia announced 4 new decisions in order to promote the effective management of coronavirus spread in the country.

1) Quarantine Period for Those Entering Georgia will be Reduced to 8 Days: The quarantine period for those entering Georgia will be reduced to 8 days. If the PCR test shows negative on the 9th day, the citizens will be able to leave the quarantine area; however, after 12 days, they will be obliged to undergo another PCR test.

2) Submitting PCR Test Answer Becomes Mandatory for All Foreigners Entering Georgia: Effective September 15, all foreigners entering Georgia, including those traveling based on the reciprocity mechanism, that is, previously entering without any restrictions, will be required to have undergone PCR testing 72 hours prior to their arrival.

3) Studies in Batumi, Kobuleti will Resume Remotely Until October 1: The education process for schoolchildren and students in Batumi and Kobuleti, in Georgia's Adjara region, will continue remotely for the first two weeks of term, which means that children will continue their studies in classrooms only from October.

4) Tougher Control over Social Events, Rituals will be Enforced.

By Ana Dumbadze