Georgian companies start face mask production to combat coronavirus

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.