What Explains the Difference in the Epidemiological Picture Between Armenia and Georgia: Alina Nikoghosyan

The spokesperson for the Minister of Health of Armenia, Alina Nikoghosyan, wrote on her Facebook page: "The Minister spoke about the differences in systems. Today, Health Minister Arsen Torosyan discussed the epidemiological systems of Armenia and Georgia, specifically answering the following question: 'What explains the difference between Armenia and Georgia, since there seems to be a decline in numbers in Georgia? Has there been any difference in the methodology of counting COVID-19 cases in Georgia, and has Georgia really managed to break the pace of infection spread?'

Arsen Torosyan addressed the difference between the systems, which has been taken out of context by local and Georgian media. To clarify what the Minister meant, I am quoting his words in full:

"I do not deny that the restrictive measures in Georgia have been implemented better, more strictly, and more effectively, including up to this day. There is also a difference in methodology; first, the healthcare system of Georgia, and particularly the epidemiological system, significantly differs from our epidemiological system, not in a positive sense, of course. Our epidemiological system is stronger, and I do not say this as a matter of pride but simply as a fact noted at a professional level, not a political one. I hope that our neighbors will be able to strengthen their systems, and we will all be protected. The same applies to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation; why are these three countries important? Because we are becoming very vulnerable in terms of flows."