Use of medication against coronavirus provokes cautious optimism in Georgia

After application of some anti-malarial drug, none of the Georgian coronavirus patients needed connection to artificial respiration devices, doctors have stated. However, US experts have cautioned against hasty conclusions about the efficiency of the drug.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by March 22, Georgia had registered 54 coronavirus infection cases. President, Salome Zurabishvili, has announced the state of emergency in the country.

Since February 28, Georgia doctors apply the anti-malarial drug Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for treating coronavirus patients, Paata Imnadze, a deputy director of the Centre for Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia, has explained. According to his story, this drug was mentioned in the recommendations of Chinese doctors.

However, residents of Georgia should continue adhering to the self-isolation regime, Mr Imnadze has reminded.

Maya Zaldastanishvili, a doctor at the Tbilisi Infectious Disease Hospital, has expressed some optimism regarding the possible efficiency of Plaquenil.

US President, Donald Trump, insists on using Plaquenil to treat coronavirus, the TASS has reported.

Let us add here that on March 18, residents of Tbilisi held a flash mob in support of doctors; and Georgian doctors, in their turn, have stated serious support from the population.