Page 9 - GEORptNov20

commented on October 22 that “the hostilities are already contributing to a dramatic acceleration in COVID-19 transmission. Continued cycles of violence and subsequent population displacement will exacerbate the precariousness of the health situation.” Specifically, the "conflict is causing a direct disruption to healthcare, further burdening health systems that are already stretched by the pandemic,” said a statement from the WHO.
Neighbouring Georgia, which largely managed to escape the first wave of the pandemic, has now been reporting high numbers of new cases. Georgia, despite its small population of around 4mn, announced nearly 2,000 coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period spanning October 24-25, including more than 1,000 cases in the capital city Tbilisi that has emerged as a major virus hotspot. The Black Sea region of Adjara played a key role in spreading the virus during the summer months because of its holiday resorts.
2.3​ ​Georgia fails to avoid second coronavirus wave
Georgia, despite its small population of around 4mn, announced nearly 2,000 coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in a 24-hour period spanning October 24-25. ​The infection rate was more than triple what was reported a couple of weeks ago. The country is now clearly suffering a second wave of the pandemic after successfully avoiding a substantial first wave in the spring.
More than 1,000 cases were logged in the capital city Tbilisi (population 1.1mn). It has emerged as a major virus hotspot. The Black Sea region of Adjara played a key role in spreading the virus during the summer months because of its holiday resorts.
Even before the spike of cases seen on October 24-25, the European Union cut Georgia from a “white list” of countries from which travellers can visit the bloc without COVID-related restrictions such as in quarantining or mandatory testing.
The Georgian government is strongly recommending that citizens wear face masks in open spaces in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi due to the increasing number of infections.
Although the country benefits of a low number of pandemic patients in
9​ GEORGIA Country Report ​November 2020 ​ ​www.intellinews.com