From: Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) [mailto:AparicioJJ@state.gov]
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2020 4:55 PM
To: Tamar Gabunia ; Amiran Gamkrelidze ; Maia Nikoleishvili ; Elene Godziashvili
Subject: Questions on Current Capacity

Several embassy offices are working to procure supplies and equipment for our Georgian partners.  What is the total amount of critical supplies the government currently has (testing kits, key PPE, ventilators, etc) and how long is that expected to last?

At this point the following calculations for testing kits: 70, 000 based on PCR technologies and 80, 000 Antigen-based tests. 30, 000 PPE for the NCDC and Municipal Public Health Centers. By our estimations – 500 000 totally. Although, the country (including the Lugar Center) is equipped with the PCR machines, for strengthening the capacity it would be great to purchase 2 additional ones. Currently, the capacity of 2000 ventilators with different conditions exists at hospitals. As for the pandemic, we expect to its prolongation from 3 months to 6 months.     

Separately, what is the total number of quarantine spaces in Georgia currently?  We saw news reports in the last few days that the government hoped to double the number of spaces and currently has contracts with 40 hotels - what does this mean in terms of capacity?  Similarly, what is Georgia's current number of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients?

As of today – 4, 427 persons are in quarantine spaces. The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (National Tourism Administration) is dealing with the selection of additional spaces. 12, 000 hospital beds are being prepared by the Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs except the Children’s Central Hospital, Psychiatric Clinic, TB etc. Out of them 3, 500-4000 beds are ready for patients.

Finally, we are tracking the lockdown in Marneuli and Bolnisi very closely and noted Minister Tikaradze's comment yesterday that the rapid tests would be used in Marneuli, as well as today's news that the contract with Bioeazy was terminated.  What are the testing protocols in the lockdown areas - how are officials deciding who to test?  Separately, is there any news about the previously mentioned 200,000 tests from South Korea?

The Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are running negotiations on purchasing 200, 000 antigen rapid tests. Those will be dedicated to the expanded testing.  

If a call is easier, please do let me know - I would be available to speak on Monday at your convenience.  Thank you for your partnership, and please know that we at the Embassy are doing our best through formal assistance channels to support Georgia in this time as always. 

Please, let me express our highest consideration and respect to the US Embassy to Georgia for all their support providing to our country.  I will be available for a call any time after 11:00 am on Monday.