Georgian companies start face mask production to combat coronavirus
Around 10 companies are involved in production of reusable face masks and import of required material. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
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Around 10 Georgian companies have launched production of face masks in a move to prevent an outbreak of the new coronavirus, with the first batch set to be purchased by the government.
With the initial set of masks to leave production plants on Thursday, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava told reporters the programme would ensure the citizens "in most need" would receive the products.
Turnava announced production companies and firms importing required material for making masks were involved in the effort and said she would personally inspect the first samples coming off the production line in Poti, Georgia's Black Sea port city.
The masks to be produced within the joint effort will be reusable, the minister said. The type of the masks has been agreed with the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health and based on World Health Organisation recommendations.
Turnava told local media some of the companies had offered to produce part of the masks and import a portion of the resources needed for them free of charge, stressing the importance of the move as an "expression of solidarity".
Four new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in Georgia on Wednesday, bringing the total number up to 37.
Georgia’s Ministry of Health has given 30 artificial respirators to the Central Republican Hospital in Tbilisi, where patients with the new coronavirus - COVID-19 symptoms are under the observation of doctors.
The police have placed 28 individuals under quarantine throughout the country for violating self-isolation rules to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, reports the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
Georgian Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili says that there is no risk of food shortages in Georgia due to the coronavirus. Davitashvili met the heads of the large supermarkets earlier today to discuss food stocks and the issue of price regulation.
Georgia confirmed four new cases of coronavirus earlier today, with the total number of infected individuals in the country standing at 37. Since February 26, 2020 Georgia has had 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19. However, one patient has recovered and was discharged. Director of Tbilisi Hospital of Infections Diseases Marina Ezugbaia said that the new patients had contact with one of the individuals who tested positive for the respiratory infection earlier and is now in hospital.
The Georgian Red Cross Society (GRCS) has started to train volunteers who will be able to provide food, medication and hygiene products to elderly individuals, those with special needs living alone, as well as to the disadvantaged and individuals with chronic illnesses in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus – COVID-19, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated today.
Companies involved in Georgia's private sector will contribute to efforts against the new coronavirus outbreak, with the government providing a platform for pooling the joint resources.
Georgian citizens have gathered at their balconies at 9 pm today to applaud healthcare professional, who have been preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia. Since February 26, 2020, Georgia had 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however, the first patient who has recovered has been discharged.
The Georgian government will gift around half a million face masks made in the country to people who have active contact with people due to their profession, the Georgian Ministry of Economy reports.
Georgia has reported two new cases of COVID-19 earlier today, with the total number of infected people with the respiratory infection standing at 39. Since February 26, 2020 Georgia has had 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with one already recovered and discharged. Health officials say that the condition of three patients [of 39] is separately severe as one is over 80, having chronic illness, while two others also suffer from other health issues.
A 74-year-old Georgian woman with underlying chronic disease has died in Spain after being infected with COVID-19, the Georgian government has confirmed.
A price restraint mechanism is ready and has been agreed upon between business and the government. Specifically, prices for nine products will not increase in Georgia, said the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Irakli Chikovani earlier today.
Georgian troops will be confined to barracks from March 21 to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus. Defence Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced earlier today that his priority is to protect the Georgian servicemen and their families amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Six Georgian textile companies have produced one million face masks in the last two weeks in an effort to help stem the spread of the new coronavirus. Two more companies will also start the production from Monday.
The EU-supported sewing workshop attached to a convent in Kakheti is producing 5,000 medical masks in response to the coronavirus, which will be gifted to people at risk and medical staff in Dedoplistskaro municipality, the EU in Georgia press office said.
Georgia has started producing disinfectant in response to the increased demand for hygienic products amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Georgian company Medifari, which produces facemasks, is negotiating with Italy, the United States, Russia, Austria and Israel to export face masks to these countries.
Face masks produced in Georgia by private companies have been exported to European countries and the USA.