22:36, 27 February 2020

South Ossetia and Abkhazia close border with Georgia because of coronavirus

The border between South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Photo: REUTERS/David Mdzinarishvili

The South-Ossetian and Abkhaz authorities completely stopped communication with Georgia, where the first case of coronavirus had been detected.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 26, the first case of coronavirus infection was registered in Georgia. A Georgian citizen who visited Iran and returned to the country through Azerbaijan fell ill.

"The coronavirus is spreading all over the world, and now it has reached neighbouring Georgia. This is a serious challenge for South Ossetia, and the reaction must be prompt," said Anatoly Bibilov, President of South Ossetia.

On September 9, 2019, South Ossetia closed the border with Georgia in connection with the arrangement of several Georgian checkpoints near a checkpoint and the escalation of tension. The Georgian authorities stated that led to a humanitarian crisis in South Ossetia.

Abkhazia has closed borders for all foreigners and stateless persons, with the exception of those who do not need a visa to visit Abkhazia. The border restrictions apply until April 7.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 27, 2020 at 03:11 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.