On 20 May, the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan (TABIB) assessed the epidemiological situation in the country and discussed measures to mitigate it.

According to the Head of TABIB’s prevention and control department Yagut Garayeva rules are being drawn up to eliminate the use of masks outdoors if physical distance is maintained, as well as regulations for weddings and other ceremonies. “The cancellation of masks in the open air while keeping a physical distance may be announced. But we have to wait for the official announcements. As a doctor I share my thoughts. Generally, there are many issues that are worrying the citizens. Including holidays, all ceremonies leading up to mass gatherings are discussed. Certain rules are being worked out. We have been saying for a year that the concept of normal life will change,” she said. 

In the past 24 hours, Azerbaijan reported 437 new cases of the virus and 14 deaths, bringing the total tally to 331,477 cases and 4,828 deaths. It was also reported that so far the total number of people vaccinated against the virus in the first phase was 1,068,493, and the number of people vaccinated in the second phase was 823,210.

Meanwhile in Georgia, Pfizer confirmed that the country would receive more than 1 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The company noted that negotiations with the Georgian government have been completed and parties are moving to the signing stage of the contract. The exact date when Georgia will receive the vaccine is as yet unknown, though rumours have suggested sometime in summer. It was also reported that the vaccination with Sinovac would start from 24 May in the country. 

It was also reported that Georgia’s Health Minister Ekatarine Tikaradze negotiated with the Founder of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Nadir Arber to acquire the anti-coronavirus EXO-CD24 medication intended for patients in moderate to critical condition. “Regarding the coronavirus drug, we want Georgia, as our friendly country, to be a partner of Israel. You have very good medical staff, and we believe that this cooperation will be very successful and fruitful. Covid-19 medication will help many people,” Arber said during the meeting. 

The country’s Economy Minister Natia Turnava emphasised that the government was considering opening land borders to boost tourism in Georgia. “Much depends on the global pandemic. However, immunisation is ongoing, and we are optimistic. We see that large groups from different countries are arriving in Georgia,” she said. According to Turnava, the number of tourists has lately increased from Persian Gulf, Israel, the EU and neighbouring countries.

In the past 24 hours, Georgia reported 1,104 new cases of the virus and 21 deaths, bringing the current tally to 334,705 cases and 4,540 deaths.