MIA sets up 12 checkpoints in Eastern Georgia to prevent coronavirus spread

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has reported that 12 checkpoints have been set up in Marneuli and Bolnisi municipalities in eastern Georgia on major roads earlier today in order to control traffic in the region. Only local residents are allowed to enter the area, however they are not allowed to leave the area for two weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Employees of the Defence Ministry have been disinfecting the surfaces of all incoming and outgoing vehicles earlier this morning in Marneuli and Bolnisi municipalities in order to minimize the risk of spreading the new coronavirus – COVID-19.

The Georgian Public Broadcaster will provide information for other media outlets in the country about the situation in the municipalities. Photo: 1TV.ge.

Marneuli and Bolnisi municipalities have been placed under lockdown after a local, 62-year-old woman tested positive for the new coronavirus yesterday, and who came into contact with more than 80 people and spent four days in a local hospital.

• Movement inside the municipality is strongly restricted.
• Locals are able to move about only to buy food, medical products or see a doctor.
• Doctors will visit all families to check for suspicious symptoms of the virus.

The two municipalities have more than 158,000 people total. Photo: 1TV.ge

The representatives of the Food Safety Service have visited Marneuli municipality earlier today. They announced that 40 vehicles for disinfection will enter the territory tomorrow and all the areas where previously infected woman visited will be sterilised. 

• Field hospital opens in Eastern Georgia after local tests positive for coronavirus

Since February 26, 2020 Georgia has had 54 confirmed cases of respiratory infection, including eight individuals who have recovered. Five have been already discharged.

As of now 3,254 people are under quarantine in Georgia, with 233 others in hospitals.