Russian-occupied Abkhazia confirms first case of coronavirus

Georgia’s Russian-occupied Abkhazia region confirmed its first case of the coronavirus yesterday. 

The de facto authorities of the region say that the infected individual is a 57-year-old man from Gagra who travelled to Russia. 

 A 50-year-old woman from the region, who also travelled to Russia, is undergoing treatment on Tbilisi-controlled territory, after testing positive for the virus on March 30. 

More than 40 people who had contact with the woman or have suspicious symptoms have also been transported onto Tbilisi-controlled territory and are in quarantine.

The de facto government says that 86 individuals have been tested for the virus so far in the region, while they have 400 tests in all. 

Only people who show several symptoms of the virus are being tested. 

Minister Tsikhelashvili says that Georgia is ready to help its people living in the occupied regions. Photo: Reconciliation Ministry press office. 

A patient must have high temperature (39 or above 39) and cough to be tested for the virus at least. 

As of now the region has only two doctors in one lab who carry out testing. 

Responding to the issue, Georgian Reconciliation Minister Ketevan Tsikhelashvili reaffirmed that Georgia is ready to provide support for its citizens living in the occupied regions. 

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She expressed hope that the de facto authorities will be able to address the issue in line with recommendations and take steps to trace people who had contact with the infected man. 

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Tsikhelashvili said that there is the possibility of more people being infected with the  virus in the region.