Black Sea region of Adjara announced free of coronavirus

Georgia has five new cases of COVID-19 and 14 recoveries including two in the Black Sea region of Adjara, turning the region into a coronavirus-free zone again.

As of now, Georgia has confirmed a total of 728 cases of the coronavirus, including 509 recoveries and 12 deaths.  

• Economy Minister: 'Georgia is a safe tourism destination'

Head of the Adjara region government Tornike Rizhvadze announced earlier today that no new cases of the virus have been reported in the region since April 30. 

Rizhvadze also noted that the two patients who remained at the Medalpha hospital have recovered and Adjara regained the status of ‘a green zone’.

• PM Gakharia: 'Adjara should become main driving force for Georgian tourism'

Calling on everyone to follow recommendations of healthcare officials, Rizhvadze said it is now important for the region to get ready for the summer tourist season. 

As the 63-day state of emergency has come to an end, Georgia is planning to resume domestic tourism starting June 15 and receive international tourists starting July 1.

• State of emergency, curfew end, some restrictions remain in Georgia

The Georgian government aims to make Georgia the first country to open its doors to foreign tourists after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and to welcome international travellers with a new image - 'Georgia - Safe Destination!'.

Visiting Adjara earlier in May, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said the region should become the main driving force for Georgian tourism and the economy.