From : Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) <CummingsSR@state.gov>
To : Tamar Gabunia <tgabunia@moh.gov.ge>
Subject : US Embassy COVID Protocol for Short-Term Embassy Business Travelers
Cc : Maia Nikoleishvili <mnikoleishvili@moh.gov.ge>
Received On : 09.09.2020 05:59
Dear Dr. Gabunia, 

Good morning!  I am writing at the recommendation of Maia Nikoleishvili to clarify the process for United States diplomats entering the country as short-term Embassy business travelers.  Currently, we are following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.  Our diplomatic travelers are transferred to the Holiday Inn where they undergo initial PCR testing and, following a negative result, are released.  The Embassy Medical Unit continues to monitor their symptoms and perform repeat testing every 72 hours for 12 days.  

My concern is what will happen if our business travelers have a positive PCR result.  I am hopeful we can clarify the protocol to ensure a smooth process for everyone and maintain the high confidence the Georgian government has in our ability to follow the government's COVID health-related guidelines.  

Currently, the United States Embassy in Tbilisi has a fully equipped medical clinic.  It is staffed by myself, two local physicians, and a nurse.  We have a previous understanding with NCDC and the Infectious Diseases, AIDS, and Clinical Immunology Research Center that any US diplomatic asymptotic or mild positive COVID cases will not be isolated in a Georgian medical facility.  Instead, the Medical Unit accepts responsibility for their medical care and we would monitor, treat, and isolate these patients away from the rest of the population. 

We would be grateful to extend this practice to our business diplomats so they are not transported from the Holiday Inn to an outside medical facility without our knowledge.   Once a positive PCR result is received, we request support of the Georgian COVID ambulance service to transport the patient to our small quarantine facility where we will resume medical care and responsibility.  If the patient was to progress to moderate or severe symptoms, we would then work with public health officials to move them to a higher level of care within the Georgian health system. 

Thank you for your consideration during this busy time.  Please let me know what questions I can answer.  I am also available by phone to discuss at +995-591-018-165. 

Best Regards, 
Sarah Cummings
Medical Attache
US Embassy Tbilisi