Health official says ‘highly likely’ Georgia has internal transmission of COVID-19, calls on public to stay home

Head of the Georgian National Centre for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze said today that two sources of COVID-19 transmission out of the 85 confirmed cases could not be identified.

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Gamkrelidze told the Georgian Public Broadcaster that “this is very alarming”. Calling on everyone to stay home, he said “social distancing is the most powerful weapon" against the coronavirus. 

The next month coincides with the most important religious days in the country… but… to protect the health of our people, their lives… we should follow the recommendations”. he stated.

In his remarks Gamkrelidze referred to Easter which is celebrated in Georgia on April 19. However, the country has declared the state of emergency until April 21 restricting any kind of assembly.

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Gamkrelidze also noted that elderly people and those with chronic diseases should especially refrain from going out and precisely follow the rules of the quarantine.