Georgians applaud doctors from their homes amid coronavirus crisis
Since February 26, 2020, Georgia had 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however, the first patient who has recovered has been discharged. Photo: Nika Gachechiladze
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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.
Let’s open our windows or come out onto our balconies on 18 March at 21:00 to applaud them together, as they truly deserve so!" the organisers of the event wrote on Facebook.
They called on everyone to join in thanking Georgian doctors and healthcare workers "for their endless dedication in protecting our health".
Watch a video released by Maestro TV:
Since February 26, 2020, Georgia had 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however, the first patient who has recovered has been discharged.
As of now, 1,344 individuals are under quarantine in Georgia.
Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who turned 68 today, celebrated her birthday in isolation to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.
Salome Zurabishvili released a video in Facebook and Instagram:
Calling on everyone to refrain from public gatherings, including birthdays, weddings and funerals, President Zurabishvili said, "this is the challenge that we should all overcome together, but in distance".
Stressing importance of staying home, Zurabishvili said "each of us might be infected without knowing it, therefore, we should stay take care of our relatives, neighbours and friends".
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.
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.
The US government has announced a rapid response grant programme for Georgian civil society organisations, civic movements and citizen groups to help the country respond to challenges caused by COVID-19 virus in a timely manner.
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.
Georgia’s National Tourism Administration (GNTA) will create quarantine zones for Georgian citizens returning to the country from abroad amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus – COVID-19, said GNTA head Mariam Kvrivishvili today.
Radio channels across Georgia will join their European counterparts in bringing encouragement to those staying at home or battling the coronavirus outbreak by playing the same song throughout the continent at the same time on Friday.
Head of the Georgian National Centre for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze has again called on the citizens to stay home, avoid public gatherings and maintain social distancing to avoid the further spread of the virus amid the upcoming religious celebrations.