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Problem with rapid tests

By Anastasia Sokhadze
Friday, April 10
Archil Gogitidze, who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 7th, after demanding to be tested for 10 days, he was released for home treatment.

The singer recalls being neglected by the doctor consulting him. Allegedly, he had symptoms and was feeling uneasy about his condition, but the doctor told him that he was perfectly healthy and did not need to be tested.

“I asked to be tested three times and they told me - you don't need it, you are completely healthy. After that, I asked the Minister of Health of Adjara for help and he helped me to finally get tested,” stated the singer.

After the incident was released to the media, the government was bombarded with questions related to tests. Unfortunately, the questions were left unanswered, but according to the previous statements of the government representatives, the country has chosen ‘only one right strategy- everyone should be tested for whom it is necessary;’ however, there is an acute shortage of quality rapid tests in the world.

“We currently have very little stock due to the lack of quality tests around the world. The rapid test used by us is made in China and is licensed by Germany. In many countries this test is currently registered and for us, a small country, the call is made with shortcomings.” stated Giorgi Shatirishvili, director of the Disaster Center.

The number of groups in need to be tested has increased rapidly, however, the list does not include symptomless individuals, who are unknowingly spreading the virus at a larger rate than others.