The agenda of the meeting included issues of the current epidemiological situation, the extension of restrictive measures and introduction of new restrictions due to the threat of coronavirus spread.

Health Minister Tamaz Tsakhnakia said that the situation had stabilized by mid-December 2020. However, the incidence statistics of the last period show that the spread of the virus in all regions of Abkhazia has increased, there are cases of illness among children and adolescents, and there are two recorded cases of re-infection among doctors. In total, more than 45 thousand studies have been carried out, 40 thousand citizens have been tested.

As of January 11, 2021, 10,097 cases were recorded throughout the country, more than 2,000 active cases. 

The country's chief sanitary doctor Lyudmila Skorik also presented her opinion on the epidemiological situation in the republic: “Epidemiological data for the last 5-6 days characterize the situation with a new coronavirus infection as unstable and increasing. The number of people who have applied to medical institutions is growing, 1/3 of them with positive tests. In addition, cases of repeated reinfection have been registered in Abkhazia. Currently, medical personnel in all medical facilities are working to the limit of their capabilities. Cases of the disease are registered throughout the territory of Abkhazia. All district CRHs are overloaded, in two districts CRHs work in mode of providing assistance at home.

The bulk of the population still underestimates the losses from this disease and does not think about the fact that the state is seeking additional funds to ensure the provision of medical care at the hospital stage. The cost of treating a severe form of the disease for one patient costs from 200 to 300 thousand rubles. There is also the problem of a shortage of medical personnel. Doctors continued to provide medical care on weekends and holidays.

The restrictive order signed by President on November 24 was loyal and based on our recommendations. In November 2020, the situation was stabilized, controlled, and even a decrease in the incidence was observed. Therefore, the issues of returning children to schools and kindergartens began to be discussed. However, the situation has changed for the worse. Over the past day, 169 cases of coronavirus infection have been identified, of which 12 cases are children. All this obliges us to take appropriate measures ”.

Based on the results of the discussion, the members of the Coordination Headquarters made a decision to recommend President the extension of the measures specified in Order No. 449-rp with some adjustments.

The coordination headquarters proposed to introduce restrictions on the work of public catering. An exception can be made by those objects that are engaged in orders delivery. The establishment of a working schedule for central markets in the districts and towns of Abkhazia was also included in the list of recommended measures.

The restrictive measures proposed by the members of the Headquarters will be submitted for consideration to President of the Republic of Abkhazia in the draft of the relevant Order.

The signed Order will be published on the official website of President.

The press service of the RA Cabinet of Ministers reported.