Occupied Abkhazia announces complete closure with rest of Georgia, foreigners

The Russian controlled Abkhazia region has announced it is barring entry 'to all foreigners except Russians', including the only crossing point connecting the region with the rest of Georgia because of the new, China-born coronavirus. 

 De facto Acting President Valeri Bganba said that ‘no foreign citizens will be allowed into Abkhazia,’ adding ‘we are forced to do so due to the situation worldwide concerning the virus.’

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 RFE/RL says that the crossing point has not yet been closed and dozens of people crossed it earlier today, but that the crossing point will allegedly close by 5 p.m. later today. 

 The closure of the crossing point, which takes place quite often, further complicates the humanitarian situation on the ground, as locals buy vital, everyday items in other regions of Georgia and receive quality medical care on Tbilisi-controlled territory. 

 Georgia confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus yesterday.