Georgia receives 40,000 PCR tests from China, 20,000 antibody tests, medical equipment

Georgia received 40,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from China earlier today, which the country had bought and an additional 20,000 rapid antibody tests as a gift from the Chinese government. 

The 52 tonnes of cargo also included other gifted medical equipment like gloves, overalls and other personal protective equipment. 

Later in May, 50,000 PCR tests will also be delivered from South Korea to fill up stocks. Georgia received 200,000 PCR tests from South Korea earlier on April 18. 

• Coronavirus in Georgia: what you need to know about testing

PCR testing is one of the main ways that global healthcare systems use to diagnose COVID-19, including in Georgia.

It is a gold-standard in epidemiology for detecting viral matter in blood samples.

Georgia has reported 6 new cases of the coronavirus earlier today, bringing the total number of cases to 517. 

168 of the 517 people have recovered, while six others have died. 

As of today 341 people remain infected with COVID-19 in Georgia. 

5,153 people are under quarantine and 549 others in hospitals.