Abkhazian authorities refuse to lift quarantine in Labra

The village of Labra will be opened only after a two-week-long isolation, the Minister of Public Health of Abkhazia told the rally audience. People's health is more important than villagers' economic interests, who are now unable to sell their vegetables and fruits in marketplaces, the head of the district administration has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that quarantine has been in effect since August 25 in the village of Labra, Ochamchira District. The village was closed after a man infected with coronavirus died there. On Thursday, August 27, about 30 local residents gathered for a spontaneous rally against the quarantine. They stated that they were unable to buy food and medicines.

Stanislav Amichba, the acting head of the Ochamchira District, treated the quarantine as a necessary measure. "We understand that people have grown vegetables and fruits, and want to sell them in marketplaces, but people's life is more valuable. This is done for you and for the people with whom you may contact," Mr Amichba has stated.

To date, 12 cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Labra. This is a serious figure for a small village, especially given the fact that one of them has died, Tamaz Tsakhnakiya, the Minister of Public Health of Abkhazia, has stated. After a dialogue with the minister, the protesters dispersed.