2021-06-29

Deputy Minister: Rapid Increase in Cases Might be Related to Spread of Delta Strain

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Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia says the increased rate of coronavirus spread and the increased death toll might be linked to the spread of the Indian strain “Delta”.

She made the relevant statement after the meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council, adding that the prevalence of the Indian strain in Georgia ranges from 10 to 20%.

“Recently, 7 more cases of the Indian strain have been confirmed, indicating that the strain is circulating in the country. The estimated prevalence of this strain is approximately 10 to 20%. It is also possible that the rapid spread of cases and the relatively severe course associated with increased mortality may be linked to the spread of the Delta strain,” Gabunia said.

She also noted that the Ministry of Health has contracts for the import of 2.5 million doses of the vaccine.

“We expect the first delivery in a few days and by the end of July there will be more than a million vaccines in the country, which will allow us to start the process of mass vaccination. 284 brigades are currently mobilized for vaccination. One brigade is able to conduct 60 vaccinations per day. In addition, it is planned to almost double the number of brigades in Tbilisi and the regions,” said Gabunia.

The Deputy Minister also spoke about the expansion of the network of vaccination centers and said that consultations are underway with large malls and the goal is to vaccinate at least 1 million citizens a month.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on June 22 that Georgia would receive one million doses of the vaccine in two weeks.

By Ana Dumbadze