“Over the past week, because of the easing of the regulations, as expected, the epidemiological situation has worsened,” Head of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Amiran Gamkrelidze said after the Coordination Council meeting today.
He explained that there has been an increase in the number of positive new Covid-19 cases, but luckily, not in the death rate.
“One of the reasons for these [changes] is the dramatic drop in mask wearing to 43%. Less than 50% is generally considered very alarming,” Gamkrelidze explained.
Social mobility is also growing, having increased by 26%.
“Therefore, along with the mitigation, it is crucial to wear masks, keep a distance, avoid large gatherings, and intensify vaccinations. This is the only way to go forward this year,” the NCDC director said.
He added that the curfew was not invented by Georgians and that it is considered the most effective mechanism against Covid-19 worldwide.
“We closely observe the ongoing process and if we manage to maintain this kind of epidemiological situation during the rest of March and April, we will step into May with great hope.”
To the journalist’s question regarding the curfew, Gamkrelidze answered that there is a debate on making some changes to the curfew regulations, however, the observance of the rules is of the utmost importance at this stage.
By Ana Giorgadze
