Coronavirus in the Caucasus: updated facts and figures, 15-16 March, 2020
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16 March, 2020
Armenia has declared a state of emergency due to the spread of coronavirus in the region.
This decision was made during an emergency cabinet session held on March 16.
The state of emergency comes into effect from March 16 to April 14, 2020.
There are currently 30 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. One person has already recovered.
• Armenia declares state of emergency due to coronavirus. What restrictions will be put into effect?
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In Georgia, the first patient who had coronavirus and recovered has been discharged from the hospital. However, he will remain in self-isolation for one more week.
As of March 16, 33 cases of coronavirus have been registered in Georgia, 637 people were in quarantine, 54 people were in self-isolation.
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Czech tourists who were vacationing in the mountain resort of Gudauri in Georgia on March 4-9 were diagnosed with coronavirus upon their return home.
Anna Kasradze, a spokeswoman for the Georgian Center for Disease Control, said that they received this information directly from one of the patients. Six others were with him in Gudauri. Three out of the six were diagnosed with COVID-19 upon returning home, and one of them is a citizen of Slovakia.
While they were still in Georgia, none of them displayed any symptoms of the disease.
“We are identifying the places where the tourists stayed, and finding those with whom they came in contact. We have already recommended that several people stay in self-isolation,” writes Anna Kasradze.
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Two new cases of coronavirus have been registered in Armenia, bringing the total number of infected to 30. One patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital.
About 300 people are in quarantine.
A government meeting is scheduled for 15.00, the issue of introducing a state of emergency in Armenia will be discussed.
“The session will be broadcast live,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his Facebook page.
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Four more people fell ill with coronavirus in Azerbaijan, bringing the total number infected to 23. One of them died, but six recovered and were discharged from the hospital.
The infections have allegedly been linked to Iran and Italy, but no specific information has been provided.
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All movement across the land border between Georgia and Russia through the Verkhny Lars checkpoint has been suspended since March 16. This was the last open point of entry into Georgia, and now the country is completely closed to foreigners, although Georgian citizens can return home.
This security measure was agreed upon by the Special Representative of the PM of Georgia in Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze and the head of the Russian delegation in matters involving the Georgian-Russian dialogue Grigory Karasin.
These restrictions do not apply to cargo transport.
15 March, 2020
Three new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in Georgia. A total of 33 cases are reported in the country. Four of them are minors. Their condition is reportedly stable. About 500 people are in quarantine.
The three new patients had contact with foreigners who came from high-risk countries, the head of the Tbilisi Infectious Disease Hospital Tengiz Tsertsvadze told reporters.
“In Georgia, there has not yet been a case where the virus has been transmitted through several people and the patient does not know where he might have gotten infected. If such a situation arises, it will be more serious and will require a special strategy,” said Tsertsvadze.
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In Armenia, eight new cases were diagnosed. Seven of them caught the virus in the city of Etchmiadzin after contact with a local resident who returned from Italy. One of infected is from the city of Meghri, and he also recently returned from Italy.
In total, there are 28 cases in the country. One patient who visited Iran recovered and was discharged from the hospital. More than a dozen cases of infection are from the city of Etchmiadzin, and all of them are associated with Italy.
• Coronavirus in Russia: 59 ill and a suspicious spike in pneumonia
• The Georgian government’s plan to save the economy
Safety measures taken in different parts of the Caucasus to cope with the epidemic
Azerbaijan
All educational institutions, daycares and shopping centers have been closed. A curfew of 21:00 has been set for all restaurants and entertainment venues.
All land borders are closed, except for one with Russia. Many flights have been cancelled.
Restrictions do not apply to cargo transport.
Azerbaijani citizens are able to cross any of the country’s borders to return home. Those arriving from other countries have their temperatures checked at the border.
Armenia
Armenia has declared a state of emergency due to the spread of coronavirus in the region. This decision was made during an emergency cabinet session held on March 16. The state of emergency comes into effect from March 16 to April 14, 2020.
The epicenter of the infection was the city of Etchmiadzin (about 20 km from Yerevan). The city is almost completely isolated, with all entries and exits strictly controlled.
Armenia has closed all land borders. Last to close was the Armenian-Georgian border on March 15. Restrictions do not apply to cargo transport.
Air travel is still open, although many airlines have reduced the number of flights to Armenia or canceled them altogether. The temperature of all new arrivals is checked upon entry.
Armenian citizens can return home across any border, including land borders.
Georgia
All educational institutions are closed in Georgia. An emergency regime has been introduced at the border. Only Georgian citizens can enter, and after they have their temperature checked at the border, they must spend 14 days in isolation. Compliance with this requirement is monitored by the police; violators will be forcibly quarantined.
No one else is allowed into the country. The restrictions do not apply to cargo transportation, including parcels sent by mail.
On social networks, many are demanding the government declare a state of emergency and close all shopping centers and entertainment venues.
