ArmInfo. RA Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan explained the big difference between the number of coronavirus cases in Armenia and Georgia.
During the on-line discussions initiated by the Public Council on May 22, the Minister drew attention to the fact that to this day more stringent and more organized restrictive measures are in force in Georgia, which, meanwhile, also affect price inflation and exchange rates. Meanwhile, as noted by Torosyan, there are differences between Georgia and Armenia in the methodology used in the case of coronavirus. <The Georgian healthcare and anti-epidemiological systems are significantly different from the Armenian ones, and not in a good way. Our anti-epidemiological system is stronger, and this is a fact>, he said. Torosyan expressed hope that, in addition to Georgia, other neighboring countries – Russia and Iran, will be able to strengthen their anti-epidemiological systems, which is important for Armenia, taking into account the flow of citizens entering its territory from these countries.
Speaking about the methodology for recording patients with coronavirus used in Georgia, Torosyan voiced several questions. Firstly, have PCR tests been used in all testing cases in Georgia, or are we talking about quick tests, which are practically not used in Armenia due to their low level of accuracy? Secondly, are citizens with mild ARVI symptoms tested for coronavirus? Thirdly, are coronavirus statistics included for people who have died from pneumonia while having diagnosed COVID-19? The Minister recalled that in Armenia, such cases of fatal outcomes are included in the statistics, and separate statistics are also conducted for patients with COVID-19 who have died from other diseases. As noted by Torosyan, rarely which countries can compare with Armenia on the principle of transparency of information on coronavirus.
<Information for consideration: when we test drivers driving from Georgia to Armenia, in many cases the coronavirus is diagnosed. So can it be considered that in Georgia, 1-2 cases of coronavirus are really detected on a day, or in reality not all cases of COVID-19 are detected and included in the statistics?>, the minister noted. He also asked whether Georgia, as well as other countries, will be able to maintain current performance in the conditions of tourist flow.
Speaking about Armenia, Torosyan noted that it is impossible to live in isolation for a long time, which means that tightening and easing restrictions will be wave-like. In total, 5928 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Armenia, 2874 people recovered, 74 died. Currently, 2952 patients are receiving actual treatment. In Georgia, 723 cases of COVID-19 were detected, 495 were cured, 12 died, 209 patients are undergoing treatment.