Number of people registering in Georgian consulate in China is increasing amid Coronavirus fears

By Liza Mchedlidze

Tuesday, January 28

Georgia's Ambassador to China Archil Kalandia says there is no necessity of evacuation yet.

The death toll increased to 57 and almost 2000 are infected since January 1, when Coronavirus was first reported. Photo: Kevin Frayer | Getty Images

According to Georgia’s Ambassador to China, Archil Kalandia’s statement, the number of Georgians appealing to the consulate for registration is increasing and the list consists of more than 100 people from all around China, including Wuhan, the origin city of the virus where 5 Georgians remain in quarantine.

“The appeal to the consulate is significantly increased, which makes it easier to monitor and control the situation. 100 people applied and contacted us. We know their numbers, contact information, first and last names, we know where to look for them in case of an emergency,” said the Ambassador.

Kalandadze also talked about Georgian citizens remaining in Wuhan, where Coronavirus first originated. He said the Embassy stays in active contact with the five in quarantine and that their lives are not under threat:

“...I am in touch with Wuhan province municipality and I got informed that they do not have a shortage of medicines, food or water, the city is mobilized as much as possible. The Chinese New Year is slowly coming to an end and shops that were closed will soon be opened.”

Regarding the possible evacuation of Georgian citizens from China, Kalandia says that there is no necessity yet. According to him, they are also continuously in contact with Georgia’s partner countries and they will take measures if necessary.

To prevent coronavirus from spreading in the country, Georgia is taking measures. Live animal import from The Republic of China is now banned, the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture states.

According to the Ministry, they based the decision on the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture's Market Surveillance Division, banning the sale of live animals. The ban will remain in force until the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Animal Health (OIE) declare China as a Coronavirus free zone.

Currently, the death toll from Coronavirus is 57 and almost 2000 are infected.