A new case of coronavirus confirmed in Georgia bringing the total number in the country to 25. Reportedly, there are 295 people under quarantine and 49 - under surveillance in hospitals.

Amiran Gamkrelidze - An increase in the number of new coronavirus cases is expected in Georgia

“More alarm and caution are needed. That is why, at the first stage, the healthcare ministry has arranged quarantine zones in such large and experienced hospitals as Republican Hospital, Sachkhere Hospital, First University Clinic and other, where works appropriately trained personnel, if necessary, there are resuscitation and intensive care units.

Much will depend on the professionalism of the staff and the preparedness plans of the clinics. Every hospital should have a plan.

In addition to the fact that the state has a preparedness plan, the same should be in every clinic, they should have a three-month supply of medicines, and this is controlled by the Ministry of Health. A sharp increase in the number is expected, and we must be prepared for this in every way”, - said the Head of the National Center of Diseases Control and Public Health

Tea Tsulukiani - Refrain from visiting community centers

“I would like to appeal to you all and urge you to refrain from visiting the houses of justice, public centers, territorial registry offices and notary bureaus within the next two weeks, unless absolutely necessary. These centers serve more than 30,000 citizens per day; thus, in the context of the current pandemic, they can be seen as hubs for the spread of COVID-19. 
It is essential for the citizens who urgently need to visit such places to refrain from being accompanied by other persons, as our goal is to see as few people as possible in public spaces. If you can get the needed services online, please do try this method. We will soon publish a list of services that can be accessed online”, - said the Minister of Justice.

MFA - Passengers from another 4 countries will be put in quarantine

Passengers arriving from another four countries will also be subject to restrictions under coronavirus preventive measures. The list of the restricted countries has been expanded by decision of the government of Georgia.

“China, Korea, Italy, Iran have been identified by the World Health Organization as being at high risk of coronavirus outbreak and another four countries – Spain, Germany, Austria and France where reported coronavirus cases continue to rapidly increase.

Citizens of Georgia are strongly encouraged to refrain from travelling except where absolutely necessary, especially to countries identified by WHO as being at high coronavirus epidemic risk, as well as to countries where coronavirus incidence keeps increasing.

Please be aware that on returning to Georgia after travelling in or transiting through the China, Korea, Iran, Spain, Germany, Austria and France, you are obliged to undergo intensive checking procedures at the Georgian checkpoint and then stay in 14-day quarantine.

Citizens of foreign countries traveling to Georgia during the given period will be subject to certain coronavirus restrictions on Georgian border.
Any person who during the past 14 days has been staying in or transiting through any of the countries identified by WHO as being at high coronavirus epidemic risk will have to undergo intensive checking procedures at Georgian border checkpoint and will remain in 14-day quarantine or will be required to present coronavirus free certificate issued by a laboratory of the country of departure or, in case of transit, by a laboratory of the transit country”, - reads the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Ministry.

The Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet stops world tour and returns to the homeland

“Fortunately, as of today, no member of the troupe has any symptoms of the virus! We want to tell you that although Ukraine is not among the high-risk countries, we fully understand the risks of possible infection and will follow all necessary recommendations. We will get checked and follow the self-isolation procedures, we are encouraging the others to do so”, - reads their post on Facebook.

Georgia-Russia rugby match to be held in empty stadium due to coronavirus

The Georgian national rugby team will hold its final match against Russia within European Rugby Championship in empty stadium. As the Rugby Union of Georgia said the decision was made amid the new coronavirus fears. Those citizens, who have already bought tickets to attend the match, will receive their ticket money back.

Davit Zalkaliani - Georgian citizen in Italy, infected with coronavirus, recovered

“A Georgian citizen infected with coronavirus in Italy healed and already left the medical facility. We hope that the recovered patient will soon return to her family. It is good news for us”, - said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Assistant to Georgia’s Health Minister is in self-isolation

“My assistant has self-isolated immediately after when his/her spouse tested positive on novel coronavirus. Consequently, the risk of spread was low. Nevertheless, we have taken preventive measures and the assistant has not shown up at the workplace for already a week. The assistant preventively underwent through relevant medical examination and tested negative on a new virus”, - said the Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze.