September 10, 2020 - 18:21 AMT
Georgia bracing for second wave of coronavirus as 57 new cases reported

Georgia confirmed 57 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, September 10, a record high number since the outbreak of the virus in the country, bringing its total to 1,830, Xinhua reports citing the country's National Center for Disease Control and Public Health.

As of Thursday, 1,334 of the 1,830 patients have recovered, while 19 others have died, the center said.

A second wave of the country's Covid-19 epidemic is now underway, said Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, adding that there is no reason to panic because the situation is still under control.

"Today's 57 cases and yesterday's 44 cases directly indicate that the epidemiological situation in the country is changing slowly. We expected the second wave to start in the fall and this process has begun," said Gakharia.

The Georgian government on Wednesday announced a series of new restrictions, including banning all cultural and sports events involving over 200 people, as well as weddings, festive events and funeral rituals, from Sept 10.

Georgia reported the first confirmed case on February 26.