Head of the National Center for Disease Control, Amiran Gamkrelidze, says the so-called fifth wave of coronavirus has started in Georgia, and from a higher point than expected. Gamkrelidze talked about it with InterpressNews.
“Unfortunately, a rather difficult epidemic situation is developing. The number of daily cases in recent days exceeds 4,000.
“The daily numbers indicate that the infection is spreading quickly and easily. Unfortunately, the epidemic situation in the country is deteriorating,” Gamkrelidze said.
He noted that it is important to follow the recommendations – wearing a face mask and observe the social distance. It is necessary to vaccinate as many citizens as possible, otherwise, the issue of tightening regulations may arise in light of the deteriorating epidemic situation.
“If we do not carry out the vaccination process, then it will be quite difficult November and the country will have to impose restrictive measures again, otherwise the epidemic situation will not calm down,” Gamkrelidze told InterpressNews.
According to the director of the National Center for Disease Control, an increase in vaccinations could save up to 2,000 lives before the New Year.
“We need to realize that vaccination protects us from infection, hospitalization and mortality. Every citizen should understand that we get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our families, our friends and each other,” Gamkrelidze said.
Georgia reported 2,479 coronavirus cases, 2,374 recoveries, and 42 deaths on October 18, the official figures show. 25,385 tests have been conducted in the past 24 hours throughout the country.
The daily test-positivity rate stands at 9,77%, while it was 9,07% in the past seven days.
Georgian capital Tbilisi recorded the highest number of 869 Covid-19 cases within the last 24 hours, followed by the Imereti region with 474 cases and the Kakheti region with 396 cases.
Georgia’s total case tally reached 664,813, among them, 614,855 people recovered and 9,510 died.
As of today, 1,914,269 people got the coronavirus vaccine, with 2,260 in a day.
By Ana Dumbadze
