Georgia short of hospital beds as COVID-19 cases surge

Georgia is facing a serious deficit of hospital beds, the country's Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze told journalists.

Report quotes her as saying the complex epidemiological state has affected the hospital sector.

"The Health Ministry is trying to expand the bed fund. No patient stays beyond our attention today. However, all measures should be intensified to prevent an increase in infections," the minister said.

According to Deputy Minister of Health Tamar Gabunia, nearly 94% of beds designated for coronavirus patients in Georgian hospitals are filled.

"The healthcare sector has faced maximal load today. We plan to mobilize additional beds. We have already mobilized 7,000 beds, and 500 more beds will be added this week."