COVID-19 in Georgia Live Blog – June 2020 /Archived

Tuesday, June 30

13:30 GMT+4 – Georgia to Retain Mandatory Quarantine for all Arrivals

The mandatory isolation for all arrivals from different states is extended until further notice, NCDC Head Amiran Gamkrelidze stated following a meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council.

All Georgian nationals and their family members – the only group allowed to enter the country – are required to undergo a two-week quarantine in government-designated facilities.

Georgia’s chief public health official said exemptions may be made for large families, who will be offered to go into self-isolation for a fortnight.

10:30 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 2 New Cases, 3 Recoveries

Two more patients have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, bringing the national tally to 928, according to stopcov.ge, a government-run website.

In the meantime, three patients infected with coronavirus have now recovered, raising the number of total recoveries to 794.

Currently, there are 119 active cases of COVID-19 in Georgia.

Monday, June 29

15:30 GMT+4 – Poland Provides Medical Aid to Georgia

Poland has delivered critical medical assistance to Georgia as part of Allied solidarity and support to NATO members and partner countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistance consists of 6,800 protective face shields and 5,400 liters of disinfectant detergent for hands and surface equipment.

12:22 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports Five More Recoveries

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported five new recoveries from the disease, which brings the number of active cases in the region to 9, according to RES news agency.

Tskhinvali confirmed the first three cases of the novel coronavirus on May 5. In total, 85 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the region, of which 76 have recovered.

10:30 GMT+4 – 2 New Cases Recorded, 6 Patients Recover

Two new cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered in Georgia, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 926, according to stopcov.ge, a government-run website.

Meanwhile, six patients diagnosed with coronavirus infections have recovered, bringing total recoveries to 791.

To date, there are 120 active cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sunday, June 28

13:48 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports Three More Recoveries

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region have reported three more COVID-19 recoveries, bringing the number of active cases in the region to 14, according to RES news agency.

11:26 GMT+4 – Three More Cases, Four More Recoveries Reported

Three persons tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 924. In the meantime, four infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 785.

11:25 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 15th Coronavirus Death

Georgia has reported 15th coronavirus-related death, according to government-run StopCov.ge website.

Saturday, June 27

14:48 GMT+4 – Four More Recoveries Reported in Tskhinvali

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported four more recoveries from COVID-19, bringing the tally of active cases in the region to 17, according to RES news agency.

11:00 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports Two New Cases, One More Recovery

Georgia has reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the tally of total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 921. In the meantime, with one more patient having recovered, the number of recoveries has increased to 781.

Friday, June 26

11:00 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports 12 Recoveries, Active Cases Drop to 21

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported 12 recoveries from a disease caused by COVID-19 infection, bringing down the number of active cases to 21, according to “Res” news agency.

To date, Tskhinvali authorities have logged 85 cases of coronavirus infection.

10:20 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 2 New Cases, 4 Recoveries

Two persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Georgia, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 919, according to the StopCov.ge website. Meanwhile, four infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 780.

Thursday, June 25

17:00 GMT+4 – Restrictions on International Flights Prolonged to July 31

Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia announced today that the restrictions on international flights will be prolonged including July 31.

According to the Civil Aviation Agency, the decision on resuming flights will be made in accordance with the “epidemiological situation” in Georgia and the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Agency asks all passengers to refrain from purchasing tickets until it officially confirms the dates and schedule for resuming international flights.

12:30 GMT+4 – 3 New Cases, 5 Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported three new cases of a novel coronavirus, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 917, according to StopCov.ge website. Meanwhile, five infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 776.

Wednesday, June 24

11:10 GMT+4 – One New Case Recorded in Tskhinvali, Total Rises to 85

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have registered one new case of coronavirus infection, raising the total to 85, according to “Res” news agency.

The last person to be diagnosed with COVID-19 is a student at a Russian university who has returned to the occupied region.

The number of active cases equals 33.

10:50 GMT+4 – 3 New Cases, 3 Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported three new cases of novel coronavirus, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 914, StopCov.ge website reports. In the meantime, three infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 771.

Tuesday, June 23

11:20 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports 1 New Case, Total Hits 84

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia registered one new case of COVID-19 infection, raising the total to 84 cases, “Res” news agency reported.

The last patient to be diagnosed with coronavirus infection is a cadet at a Russian military academy who has returned to the Tskhinvali region, noted Anna Gagloeva, a public health “official.”

To date, there are 34 active cases in the occupied region.

11:00 GMT+4 – 3 New Cases, 7 Recoveries Registered

Georgia has reported three new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 911, according to StopCov.ge website. In the meantime, seven infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 768.

Monday, June 22

16:30 GMT+4 – NCDC Head: Current COVID-19 Situation Allows for Holding Parliamentary Vote as Scheduled

Amiran Gamkrelidze, Head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, has told reporters today that the current epidemiological situation in Georgia allows to hold parliamentary elections in October in compliance with public health guidelines.

However, Gamkrelidze noted that the overall situation remained “volatile” due to the daily occurrence of new cases of infection, making difficult to make an accurate forecast “for the following four months.”

The chief public health official said that a working group was set up in coordination with the Parliament and the Central Election Commission (CEC) to devise COVID-19 safety rules to be enforced during the pre-election period and the polling day.

Gamkrelidze added that the NCDC will put together recommendations and measures for the CEC to stem the spread of the virus.

11:00 GMT+4 – 2 New Cases, 6 Recoveries Recorded

Georgia has reported two new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 908, according to StopCov.ge website. In the meantime, six infected patients have recovered, increasing the number of recoveries to 761.

09:00 GMT+4 – Sokhumi Temporarily Re-opens Enguri Crossing Point for Abkhaz Residents

Kremlin-backed authorities of Abkhazia have temporarily reopened Enguri bridge crossing point – connecting the occupied region with Georgia proper – for residents returning to Abkhazia, Abkhaz KGB reported. The crossing point will remain open through June 24.

All residents will be required to undergo health monitoring, Abkhaz KGB added.

Sunday, June 21

11:00 GMT+4 – 8 New Cases, 3 Recoveries Recorded

According to Stopcov.ge, with eight new cases of the novel coronavirus, the number of total cases in Georgia has increased to 906. In the meantime, three infected individuals recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 755.

Saturday, June 20

11:00 GMT+4 – 3 New Cases, 11 Recoveries Recorded

Georgia recorded three new cases of COVID-19, increasing the total confirmed cases to 898, according to Stopcov.ge, a government-run website. In the meantime, with 11 recoveries, the number of recovered patients in Georgia has increased to 752.

Medical Director of Tbilisi Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Marina Ezugbaia, told journalists that one of the three infected patients is a truck driver, while the other two are contacts of infected patients from Bolnisi and Marneuli municipalities in southern Georgia.

Friday, June 19

12:30 GMT+4 – Gov’t Relaxes Rules on Holding Educational, Sporting Events Outdoors

The Georgian government has allowed holding educational events, such as conferences and seminars, as well as exercising some outdoor sporting activities – rafting, kayaking, canyoning, and other action sports – provided that all participants observe guidelines devised by the Health ministry.

11:00 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports 3 Recoveries

Moscow-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia registered 3 new recoveries from coronavirus, bringing the total 43, according to “Res” news agency. The number of active cases currently stands at 37.

10:40 GMT+4 – 2 New Cases Recorded, 2 Patients Recover

Georgia recorded two new cases of coronavirus infection, raising the total to 895, stopcov.ge, a government-run website reported. Meanwhile, the number of recoveries rose by 2, reaching 741.

Thursday, June 18

11:40 GMT+4 – German Coronavirus Quarantine to Spare Travelers from Georgia

Georgians traveling to Germany will be exempt from going into 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival.

German authorities have excluded Georgia, relatively mildly affected by the virus, from a list of countries whose citizens are subject to quarantine rules.

To date, it remains unknown when air travel between Georgia and Germany will resume.

11:40 GMT+4 – 5 New Cases, 8 Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported five new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 893, according to StopCov.ge website. In the meantime, eight infected patients have recovered, increasing the number of recoveries to 739.

Wednesday, June 17

15:00 GMT+4 – Coronavirus Testing Expanded to New High-Risk Groups

The Government has revised a list of at-risk groups who are subject to mandatory, free-of-charge COVID-19 testing.

According to a decree issued on June 15, following high-risk professions are included in the updated testing protocol:

• patients who display COVID-19 symptoms outlined in Health Ministry guidelines;
• all traced contacts of infected patients;
• persons who were quarantined or have gone into self-isolation;
• healthcare workers;
• personnel who run special quarantine spaces;
• screening authorities (customs officers, food security monitors);
• laboratory personnel who carry out testing;
• freight truck drivers (except for transit freights);
• personnel of correctional facilities;
• public transportation drivers;
• conscripts.

11:00 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports Two New Cases, Total Rises to 80

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have recorded two new cases of coronavirus, raising the total to 80, “Res” news agency reported.

10:45 GMT+4 – 9 New Cases, 7 Recoveries Reported

Nine more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Georgia, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 888, StopCov.ge website reports. In the meantime, seven infected patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 731.

Tuesday, June 16

15:00 GMT+4 – Sokhumi to Carry out COVID-19 Tests for Returning Residents on Georgian Border with Russia

Moscow-backed Abkhaz authorities have announced that starting June 15, all residents of Abkhazia returning to the region through Psou river crossing point will be tested for coronavirus, local media has reported.

According to the source, bio-samples will be collected from travelers on the spot (at Psou crossing point), which will then be transported to a local laboratory for PCR diagnostics.

Kremlin-backed Abkhaz authorities have extended border closure with Russia due to virus-related concerns until July 1, restricting entry to Russian citizens.

Entry restrictions exclude members of the diplomatic corps (representatives of a handful of countries that recognize Abkhazia’s independence from Georgia, including Russia), military personnel of the Border Directorate of Russian FSB deployed in Abkhazia, servicemen of Russian military bases, and fright truck drivers.

11:00 GMT+4 – 20 More Recoveries Reported

Twenty more patients have recovered from the novel coronavirus in Georgia, taking the number of recoveries to 724, according to stopcov.ge, a state-run website.

Monday, June 15

20:00 GMT+4 – Abkhazia Reports One New Case, Total Rises to 38

Kremlin-backed authorities of Abkhazia have registered one new case of COVID-19, taking the total to 38, local media has reported.

The infected person is a cadet at a military academy, who was hospitalized in Gudauta hospital.

15:00 GMT+4 – Sokhumi Eases Some Coronavirus Restrictions

Moscow-backed authorities of Abkhazia have relaxed several restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 situation, local media has reported.

Starting June 15, holding public events (including sporting and entertainment activities, weddings) will be allowed.

Gyms, spa centers, and beauty parlors, as well as dental offices, can also reopen starting today.

Open-air agricultural markets can reopen after carrying out disinfection measures.

12:17 GMT+4 – Train Services Resume

The Georgian Railway, a state-owned company, has resumed train services starting today.

All passengers are obliged to undergo a thermal screening and wear face masks.

12:15 GMT+4 – Domestic Tourism Resumes

Domestic tourism will resume starting today upon the decision of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council.

12:05 GMT+4 – Strict Lockdown Lifted in Geta Village of Bolnisi Municipality

Strict lockdown restrictions in place in Geta village of Bolnisi Municipality – southern Georgia – will be removed starting today, Natia Mezvrishvili, head of Prime Minister’s Office stated at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council.

Geta – one of the coronavirus hotspots in Georgia – has been placed under strict lockdown since May 15 due to “high epidemiological risks.”

12:00 GMT+4 – Gov’t Unveils List Of Public Spaces Where Wearing Masks is Compulsory

The Georgian government has released a list of public spaces where wearing face masks will be mandatory in order to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Citizens are required to wear face masks in following spaces and venues:

• municipal transport vehicles (including metro) and taxi cabs;
• elevators of public use;
• beauty parlors and spa centers;
• entrance halls of public and private venues;
• while attending a meeting in public or private venues where
• observing 2-meter distance is impossible;
• stores and shopping malls.

Following groups are exempted from the regulation:

• persons while delivering a speech at a meeting/conference;
• children under 6;
• persons with disabilities;
• persons with breathing complications;
• personnel providing specific healthcare services (e.g. logopedists).

Individuals who defy mask-wearing regulations will face GEL 20 (USD 6.6) fine.

11:30 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Records 2 New Cases, Total Hits 78

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have registered two new cases of COVID-19, raising the total to 78, according to “Res” news agency.

The two infected persons are cadets at Russian military academies, who were quarantined upon their arrival in Tskhinvali, Anna Gagloeva, region’s public health “official” stated.

Total recoveries currently stand at 40.

10:40 GMT+4 – 15 New Cases, 1 Recovery

Fifteen more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Georgia, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 879, according to StopCov.ge website. In the meantime, one infected patient has recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 704.

Sunday, June 14

20:00 GMT+4 – 13 New Cases, 1 More Recovery Reported

Georgia has reported thirteen new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 864. In the meantime, one more patient has recovered, bringing the number of recoveries to 703. The number of active cases stands at 147.

Saturday, June 13

23:25 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 14th Coronavirus Death

Georgia has reported 14th coronavirus-related death, according to government-run StopCov.ge website.

13:35 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Reports Four New Cases, Four More Recoveries

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have confirmed four new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the number of region’s total confirmed cases to 76, RES news agency reported. In the meantime, the same source noted that four more patients have recovered from the disease.

11:25 GMT+4 – Eight New Cases, Five More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported eight new cases of COVID-19, taking the number of total confirmed cases to 851. In the meantime, five more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 702. The number of active cases stands at 136.

Medical Director of Tbilisi Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Marina Ezugbaia, told journalists that the source of infection of the five new cases was not identified yet, increasing the number of unidentified sources to ten.

Friday, June 12

23:00 GMT+4 – Sokhumi Extends Border Closure with Russia Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Kremlin-backed Abkhaz authorities have extended border closure with Russia due to virus-related concerns until July 1, “ApsnyPress”, a local media outlet reported on June 12.

Entry restrictions exclude members of the diplomatic corps (representatives of a handful of countries that recognize Abkhazia’s independence from Georgia, including Russia), military personnel of the Border Directorate of Russian FSB deployed in Abkhazia, servicemen of Russian military bases, and fright truck drivers.

21:00 GMT+4 – 37th Case Reported in Abkhazia

Moscow-backed Abkhaz authorities have confirmed 37th case of COVID-19,  local media reported. Abkhazia’s 37th coronavirus patient is a cadet of a Russian higher education institution who has recently returned to the region. He will be transferred to the Gudauta Hospital, Abkhazia’s main medical facility charged with treating coronavirus patients.

15:00 GMT+4 – Six More Cases Take Total to 843

Georgia reports six new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of total confirmed cases to 843. This brings the number of active cases to 133.

13:30 GMT+4 – GEL 20 Fine Imposed for Not Wearing Mask in Closed Public Spaces

Individuals not wearing face masks in closed public spaces – including while travelling by taxi, municipal transport or metro – will face GEL 20 (USD 6.6) fine.

The Parliament endorsed relevant amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses on June 12 with third hearing.

Businesses and companies failing to enforce mask-wearing rules on their premises will be fined with GEL 500 (USD 164).

Legal Committee Chair Anri Okhanashvili clarified that until July 15 holding events such as marriages, baptism ceremonies, and funeral receptions will be prohibited and in case of gathering in groups of more than ten people each individual will face GEL 2,000 (USD 571), and businesses/companies will be fined with GEL 10,000 (USD 3,278).

13:00 GMT+4 – NCDC to Prepare National Risk-communication Strategy of Crisis, Post-crisis Needs

The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) will develop a national risk-communication strategy focused on crisis and post-crisis needs, which according to NCDC Deputy Head Paata Imnadze, aims to help inform people about potential risks, their consequences, related decisions and recommendations.

With USD 60,000 in UK funding, and support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UK Government, the United Nations Association of Georgia (UNAG) will assist NCDC prepare the new strategy.

Designed to help Georgian government make effective decisions during a crisis and communicate them to citizens, ensuring public trust and coordination across all sectors of society, the document will address both national and local decision-making while tending to the needs of all citizens regardless of their ethnic, cultural, social or economic backgrounds.

According to British Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith “this new communication strategy will help Georgia’s excellent public health authorities to reach the widest possible audiences, from decision-makers to citizens right across society.“

UNDP Head Louisa Vinton also notes that the new national strategy “will codify” the things that Georgia did right on COVID-19 as well as adapt in areas where improvements could be made,  including the need to design “targeted outreach” for minorities and vulnerable groups.

11:30 GMT+4 – Four New Cases, Two More Recoveries Reported in Tskhinvali Region

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported four more cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the region’s total confirmed cases to 72, RES news agency reported. Out of the four new patients two are  ethnic Ossetian cadets of Russian military higher education institutions who have recently returned to Tskhinvali from Russia, third one is a truck driver, while the fourth one is a soldier, the same source noted.

In the meantime, two more patients have recovered, increasing the number of recoveries to 36, RES news agency reported.

10:30 GMT+4 – Six New Cases, Three More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported six new cases of COVID-19, taking the number of total confirmed cases to 837. In the meantime, three more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 697. The number of active cases stands at 127.

Thursday, June 11

16:20 GMT+4 – Three New Cases Confirmed

Georgia reports three new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of total confirmed cases in the country to 831. The number of active cases stands at 124.

11:05 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Confirms Two New Cases of COVID-19

Moscow-backed authorities in Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, RES news agency wrote. According to the source, the region’s two new patients are the Ossetian cadets who have recently returned to Tskhinvali from Volgograd, Russia.

10:00 GMT+4 – 1 New Case, 4 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported one new case of COVID-19, bringing the tally of total confirmed cases to 828. In the meantime, four more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 694. The number of active cases stands at 121.

Wednesday, June 10

21:00 GMT+4 – 5 New Cases Reported

Georgia has reported 5 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of total confirmed cases to 827, according to to stopcov.ge, a state-run website.

Head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health Amiran Gamkrelidze told TV PalitraNews that source of infection of the five new cases was not identified yet.

12:00 GMT+4 – Georgia Delays Resuming Travel with Israel as Latter Sees Spike in Cases

Israel asked Georgia to postpone resuming travel between two countries after it saw a surge in new COVID-19 infections, the Georgian government reported on June 10.

“We must not put at stake health of our citizens for the sake of receiving tourists,” stated PM Giorgi Gakharia. A risk of importing new cases of infection to the country outweighs benefits from tourism, he maintained.

A bilateral deal between Georgia and Israel envisaged instituting a “safe corridor” for receiving tourists in compliance with all public health safety guidelines.

Similar agreements are currently drafted with the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Greece, and Baltic countries.

10:00 GMT+4 – Four New Cases, Four More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported 4 new cases of COVID-19, increasing tally of total confirmed cases to 822. In the meantime, four more patients have recovered, bringing the number of recoveries to 690. The number of active cases remains at 119.

Tuesday, June 9

15:15 GMT+4 – In-Person College Entrance Exams to Start on July 6

University entrance exams – conducted in-person – will kick off starting July 6 and lasting until August 5.

According to NCDC guiding, no more than ten persons can sit the exam in a single room, and social distancing will be properly observed. All examinees and exam invigilators will be obliged to wear face masks.

Those experiencing coronavirus-related symptoms (high fever, cough, breathing difficulties) – but testing negative for the infection – can take the exam in isolated rooms. Students diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be able to sit entrance exams this year, the Education Ministry said.

14:15 GMT+4 – Georgian Gov’t Unveils Revised 2020 Budget to Address Virus Fallout

The Georgian Government has presented a revised budget proposal reflecting negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s Cabinet plans to step up fiscal spending in order to offset effects of virus-induced recession this year.

The revised budget proposal will now be submitted to the Parliament for approval.

• Georgian Gov’t Unveils Revised 2020 Budget to Address Virus Fallout

14:00 GMT+4 – Council of Europe Delivers Aid to Prevent COVID-19 in Georgian Prisons

In a bid to support to inmates and prison staff amid COVID-19 pandemic, the Council of Europe (CoE) has donated protective materials to five member States, including Georgia. The donations for Georgia included 6,500 masks, 2,500 face shields and 500 litres of sanitizer and antiseptic liquid, 20 pulse oximeters; 5,000 disposable plastic shoe covers; and 3,000 medical disposable headcovers.

The donation to Georgia, delivered following the request of the Justice Ministry and the Special Penitentiary Service, was possible in the framework of the project Enhancement of Human Rights and Health-Care Support to Penitentiary System (financed through CoE Action Plan for Georgia 2016-2019).

11:00 GMT+4 – 8 New Cases, 3 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported 8 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of total confirmed cases to 818. In the meantime, three more patients have recovered, bringing the tally of recoveries to 686. The number of active cases stand at 119.

Monday, June 8

11:30 GMT+4 – Restaurants with Indoor Seating, ‘Authorized’ Hotels, and Currency Exchange Offices Reopen

Starting today, restaurants, bars, cafes and eateries can reopen their indoor dining spaces for customers, provided that they observe all social distancing guidelines.

Hotels certified by relevant health authorities that they comply with all public health requirements can resume operations.

All currency exchange offices have also reopened today.

11:20 GMT+4 – Intercity Transport Resumes Except for Rail Traffic

All kinds of intercity transportation, bar railway services, resume starting today, upon the decision of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council, a government task force to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

All passengers are obliged to wear face masks while in the vehicle.

11:00 GMT+4 – 1 New Case, 9 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported one new case of the novel coronavirus, increasing the tally of total confirmed cases to 810. In the meantime, nine more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 683. The number of active cases stands at 114.

Sunday, June 7

12:00 GMT+4 – 1 New Case, 11 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported one new case of the novel coronavirus, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 809. In the meantime, eleven more patients have recovered, increasing the tally of recoveries to 674.

Saturday, June 6

23:00 GMT+4 – Abkhazia Confirms One New Case

Moscow-backed Abkhaz authorities have reported one new case of the novel coronavirus, bringing the number of total confirmed cases in the region to 36. According to local media, Abkhazia’s 36th patient is the cadet of a Russian higher education institution, who has recently returned to the Black Sea region. The patient will be transferred to Gudauta Hospital, Abkhazia’s main medical facility treating COVID-19 patients.

11:40 GMT+4 – 3 New Cases, 13 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported three new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 808. In the meantime, thirteen more patients have recovered, increasing the tally of recoveries to 663.

Friday, June 5

16:30 GMT+4 – Georgia Resumes Use of Hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 Treatment

11:30 GMT+4 – Tskhinvali Records 12 More Cases, Total Increases to 57

Moscow-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have reported 12 new cases of the coronavirus infection, according to “RES” news agency.

All twelve patients are cadets at Russian military academies, stated Anna Gagloeva, a local public health “official.”

The total number of confirmed cases has risen to 57, while recoveries stand 31.

10:30 GMT+4 – 4 New Cases, 6 More Recoveries Reported

Georgia has reported four new cases of the novel coronavirus, increasing the number of total confirmed cases to 805. In the meantime, six more patients have recovered from the disease, increasing the tally of recoveries to 650.

Thursday, June 4

10:30 GMT+4 – Quarantine Regime to be Lifted in Tetritskaro Municipality

The Government announced that strict lockdown measures in place in Tetritskaro municipality – one of Georgia’s COVID-19 hotspots – will be lifted.

Prime Minister Gakharia said the decision was made after no new cases of coronavirus infection had been detected regionwide within the last two weeks. “Meanwhile, we call upon [Tetristskaro] residents to exercise caution and stay alert,” Gakharia added.

10:30 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 1 New Case, 4 More Recoveries

Georgia reports one new case of COVID-19, taking the number of total confirmed cases to 801, according to stopcov.ge, a state-run website. In the meantime, 4 more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 644.

Wednesday, June 3

23:30 GMT+4 – Abkhazia Confirms 7 New Cases, Total Rises to 35

Moscow-backed authorities in Abkhazia have reported seven new cases of the novel coronavirus, increasing the number of total confirmed cases in the region to 35. Sokhumi-based media reported that the region’s new patients are cadets of the Russian higher education institutions who have recently returned to Abkhazia from Moscow. The patients will be transferred to Gudauta Hospital, Abkhazia’s main medical facility treating the persons infected with COVID-19.

20:00 GMT+4 – Czech Republic to Reopen Borders to Georgian Tourists

The Czech Republic has included Georgia on a list of COVID-safe countries, paving the way to lifting entry restrictions for Georgian visitors, Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani has stated today.

According to Georgia’s chief diplomat, the central European country may reopen its borders for Georgian travelers tentatively in late June/ early July.

Zalkaliani said Georgia is holding talks with Israel and Greece to institute “COVID-safe corridors” in order to allow for international travel and tourism.

18:00 GMT+4 – Georgian Lari Strengthens against US Dollar

Georgia’s national currency has regained ground as the Government is gradually lifting most of COVID-related restrictions. Georgian Lari is trading at 3.01 per U.S. dollar on Bloomberg’s platform.

Earlier, on March 24, Lari dipped to historic low, trading at 3.54 per dollar.

11:30 GMT+4 – 3 More Cases Confirmed in Tskhinvali, Total Rises to 45

Kremlin-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have recorded three new cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total to 45, according to “Res” news agency.

Two of the three patients are cadets at Russian military academies, and the third infected person is a hospital orderly.

According to the source, to date, there are 14 actives cases of the coronavirus infection in the occupied region.

10:20 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 6 More Recoveries

Six people have recovered from the novel coronavirus in Georgia, bringing the total number of recoveries to 640, according to stopcov.ge, a state-run website.

Tuesday, June 2

23:30 GMT+4 – 13th Death Reported

Georgia has confirmed 13th coronavirus-related death. According to Georgian media reports citing Levan Gopodze, the Director of Tbilisi’s Republican Hospital, the deceased patient was a 75-year old man, native of the village of Mushevani in southern Bolnisi Municipality, Georgia’s COVID-19 hotspot.

22:45 GMT+4 – 4 More Cases Confirmed

Amiran Gamkrelidze, Head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, told the First Channel of the Georgian Public Broadcaster that four more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Georgia, bringing the number of total confirmed cases to 800.

According to Gamkrelidze, one new patient belongs to a newly emerged ‘cluster of Saburtalo,’ and other three are truck drivers, who are ‘not Georgian citizens.’

21:00 GMT+4 – Sokhumi Says All COVID-19 Patients Recovered, No Active Cases Left

Moscow-backed authorities of Abkhazia reported that there are no active COVID-19 cases region-wide, as remaining 12 patients had recovered from coronavirus infections, according to Russian media.

To date, Sokhumi has recorded a total of 28 confirmed cases, out of which 27 have fully recovered and one has died of the virus.

10:15 GMT+4 – Georgia Reports 2 New Cases, 10 More Recoveries

Georgia reports two new cases of COVID-19, taking the number of total confirmed cases to 796, according to stopcov.ge, a state-run website. In the meantime, 10 more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 634.

Monday, June 1

12:45 GMT+4 – NCDC Head: Georgia Will not Allow Tourists from Armenia, other COVID-hit Neighbors

Amiran Gamkrelidze, Head of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, told TV Pirveli that Georgia will maintain entry restrictions for tourists hailing from Georgia’s neighboring countries, gravely affected by coronavirus, including Armenia – for the foreseeable future.

Gamkrelidze said the Government will designate special “green zones” – least affected countries by COVID-19 – from which passengers can arrive in Georgia for tourism. However, Georgia’s chief public health official noted that there will be strict requirements put in place for all entering tourists – “something like a PCR certificate confirming negative COVID-19 result issued within the last 48 hours,” he added.

Earlier, on May 7, the Government unveiled a tourism stimulus plan that envisages reopening Georgia’s borders for “safe tourism” beginning on July 1.

12:45 GMT+4 – 123,000 People File for COVID-related Unemployment Benefits, USD 9 Mln Disbursed

Up to 72,000 citizens, who had lost their income due to the COVID-19 crisis, applied for the unemployment benefits as of June 1, Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze announced at a briefing of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council. In total, GEL 14 million (USD 4.53 million) was disbursed in payments for furloughed workers. 

According to the Minister, around 51,000 self-employed citizens – who were also hit by the fallout from COVID-19 crisis – claimed up to GEL 15 million (USD 4.85 million) allowance.

• Prime Minister Gakharia Unveils Anti-Crisis Plan to Mitigate Coronavirus Fallout

12:00 GMT+4 – Shopping Malls Reopen, Restaurants Reopen Outdoor Spaces

Starting today, all non-essential stores, including shopping malls are allowed to resume operations, as part of a phased reopening devised by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council, a government task-force to combat the pandemic.

All stores are obliged to install new safety measures – customers and personnel must wear face masks, and there are restrictions on the number of people allowed on floor space.

Additionally, restaurants, bars, cafes and eateries can reopen outdoor dining spaces, in addition to delivery/drive-thru services.

11:30 GMT+4 — Tskhinvali Registers 3 New Cases, Total Hits 42

Moscow-backed authorities of Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia have recorded three new cases of COVID-19 infection, according to local media. The total number of confirmed cases in Tskhinvali stands at 42.

Alina Gagloeva, public health “official” of the occupied region, stated that all patients had been quarantined for a fortnight upon their arrival in Tskhinvali.

10:30 GMT+4 — Georgia Reports 11 New Cases, 19 More Recoveries

11 more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Georgia, bringing the number of total confirmed cases to 794. Marina Ezugbaia, Medical Director of Tbilisi Hospital of Infectious Diseases, told journalists that out of the 11 new patients, 8 are linked to the Saburtalo cluster of patients, while three others have transmitted the virus in village Mareti of southern Marneuli Municipality.

In the meantime, 19 more patients have recovered, taking the number of recoveries to 624.

Earlier Live Updates:

• COVID-19 in Georgia Live Blog – May 2020 / Archived
• COVID-19 in Georgia Live Blog – April 2020 / Archived
• COVID-19 in Georgia Live Blog – March 2020 / Archived

This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)