Batumi will not be put under lockdown despite micro-epidemic

Despite the micro-epidemic in the Georgian Black Sea resort city of Batumi, where 22 new cases of coronavirus have been reported during the last 24 hours, the city will not be put under lockdown.

Georgia has reported 38 new cases of the coronavirus earlier today, which is a record high number since April 16 when 42 cases of coronavirus were detected. 22 new patients contracted the virus from the cluster which originated in candy shop Dona in Batumi. 

• Georgia reports 38 new coronavirus cases, record high since April

Head of the Georgian National Centre for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze said that "so far, we don't have information about the reach of the infection outside the candy shop". He said that the ‘Dona cluster’ mainly includes employees of the candy shop.

In order to control the spread of the coronavirus and manage the epidemic, five medical facilities in Batumi will offer free PCR testing to locals as well as tourists. In addition, a third tent will be placed on Batumi Boulevard where tourists and locals will be able to undergo voluntary coronavirus testing.

• Tents to be placed on Batumi Boulevard to offer voluntary coronavirus testing

Locals and tourists in Batumi will be able to take PCR tests from 10 am to 17 pm at N1 and N4 polyclinics, Family Medicine Center, Family Medicine Center of Tamar Settlement and Evex Clinic.

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As for the third tent, it is placed near the Alphabet Tower. In all three tents PCR testing will be available from 11 am to 23 pm. There is also one tent placed in the  town of Kobuleti in Adjara region. 

Gamkrelidze said that closing clubs and cafe-bars in Batumi is not being considered, but it is necessary the recommendations and anti-epidemic measures be taken seriously.