Georgian Ministry of Health recommends chacha for coronavirus prevention

Due to the threat of proliferation coronavirus COVID-19 Head of the National Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health of Georgia Amiran Gamkrelidze told about simple means of prevention.

Although no epidemic of this disease has been registered in Georgia at the moment, Gamkrelidze noted, that in Georgia, as well as practically throughout the world, there is now a shortage of antiseptics and medical masks. While pharmaceutical companies are actively working to ramp up production, he advised to pay attention to the disinfecting properties of chacha, a strong alcoholic beverage.

However, there is no talk of using chacha inside. The option of the Ministry of Health for many may seem blasphemous - it is recommended to use the drink instead of an antiseptic if you do not have the opportunity to wash your hands for a long time. It should be noted that the concentration of alcohol in chacha is usually 55-60%.

Such strong alcohol kills most bacteria and works on exactly the same principle as antiseptics. In turn, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

celebrate the effectiveness of antiseptics with an alcohol content of 60% or higher against coronavirus - but they work worse than thorough hand washing.

Instead of chacha, you can use any other alcohol of a similar strength or technical alcohol. Use a moisturizer or hand gel if possible afterward, as alcohol dries out your skin.

He also advised to refrain from using cash, giving preference to contactless payments whenever possible. If this is not possible, be sure to wash your hands after handling money.

Gamkrelidze expressed confidence that in the near future the problem of the shortage of funds necessary to protect citizens will be resolved. It is important to note that now we are talking about preventive measures designed to prevent an epidemic in the country. At the time of publication of the material, three cases of the disease were confirmed in Georgia, about 150 people are in quarantine with suspected COVID-2019.

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