On 23 May, Georgia’s Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani told that the statements made by the Armenian Health Minister Arsen Torosyan have upset the Georgian colleagues, reported news.am.
According to some Armenian media reports, Torosyan said that the anti-epidemic measures in Georgia are different from the Armenian procedures, and not for the better. Torosyan stated his beliefs that the small number of infections and deaths among COVID-19 in Georgia can be explained by shortcomings in terms of the methodology, transparency and quality of tests carried out in a neighbouring country.
These reports were followed by a strong reaction from the medical establishment of Georgia. Senior health officials assured that the country's COVID-19 statistics are completely transparent in contrast to Torosyan’s statement. According to Zalkaliani, through diplomatic channels, the Georgian side demanded clarifications from the relevant government departments in Armenia. Zalkaliani said that Armenian health ministry stated its position through the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan. He noted that he received a call from the embassy in Yerevan and was informed that Armenian Health Ministry called the embassy and expressed their regret at Torosyan's statement.
The Armenian side noted that Torosyan’s statements were misinterpreted. Zalkaliani on the other hand expressed his desire that this information should be double-checked and clarified. Zalkaliani also recalled that Georgia’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 were highly appreciated by international partners, including the World Health Organization.
Within the past 24 hours, Armenia reported 452 new infection cases and 6 deaths bringing the total tally to 7113 cases in total and 81 deaths. On the other hand, Georgia reported only one new case in the past 24 hours, with the total tally being 731 and 12 deaths.
On 14 May, the Armenian government extended the state of emergency in the country until 13 June due to the rapid growing numbers of infected persons in the country. Georgia ended the state of emergency on 22 May and continues to lift its restrictions (Caucasus Watch reported).
