Georgian health officials warn of fourth wave of Covid-19

Georgian health officials warn of a potential fourth wave of coronavirus in the country if individuals refuse to receive the vaccine and act in line with recommendations.  

Deputy Health Minister Tamar Gabunia says there is an increased infection rate among children in particular. She said that within the past two or three days 'we had to mobilise additional pediatric beds'.

About 200 pediatric beds in Tbilisi, which were practically unloaded, have already been overcrowded and we had to mobilise additional beds for pediatric patients. The risks in terms of spreading the infection are increasing and in this case the main solution again is vaccination", Gabunia said.

She said that the number of Covid-19 cases is on rise in Georgia, reaching 1,862 as of today and with the circulation of new strains, 'especially the Delta strain, I mean the 72 cases which have been confirmed in Georgia, the risks of infection in children will increase', she warned.

• Coronavirus: 1,862 new cases of 35,117 tests in 24 hours

Gabunia called on the public to be actively involved in the vaccination process. 

Gabunia said that only 0.3% of fully vaccinated people were infected with Covid-19 in Georgia and no deaths were reported. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

Today there are already one million doses of Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines available in our country. In the coming days we will receive the Pfizer vaccine and people in Georgia will have the opportunity to be vaccinated with their favourable vaccine", she said.

Head of Georgia's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Amiran Gamkrelidze said that Georgia is facing 'a very difficult situation'. 

There is a high chance that we may enter a difficult, fourth wave", Gamkrelidze said today.

Gamkrelidze stated that the epidemic situation in the country is deteriorating and the NCDC had submitted three recommendations to the coordinating council, which includes further intensification of vaccinations, further expansion of testing and full compliance with existing recommendations and restrictions.

The coronavirus recognises neither position nor opposition, it infects everyone and claims too many lives, unfortunately. Therefore, we call on everyone to show more solidarity and more attention, to somehow stop the infection together and get through it", Gamkrelidze said.

Gamkrelidze added that he had proposed all conferences and meetings be open to only fully vaccinated people, or those who have tested negative in the last 72 hours. 

He also said that it is also being discussed to have the concept of 'safe schools and universities', meaning that all students, professors and teachers be allowed into schools and the universities if fully vaccinated. 

Gabunia added that only 0.3% of fully vaccinated people were infected with Covid-19 in Georgia and no deaths were reported.