1 COVID-19 OUTBREAK SOUTHERN CAUCASUS : OPERATIONAL UPDATE #7

Reporting date: 10 July 2020

This Operational Update is reporting on the COVID-19 response to-date by Armenian Red Cross, Azerbaijan Red Crescent and Georgia Red Cross.

The situation

As of 08 July 2020, there were a total of 52,157 of confirmed COVID-19 cases, 801 death and 34,485 recovered cases in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan with the following break-down per-country: zz29,820 cases in Armenia with 521 deaths (6 deaths in the past 24 hours) and 17,427 recovered cases. 535 cases were registered in the past 24 hours. zz21,374 in Azerbaijan (537 cases in the past 24 hours), 265 deaths and 12,635 recovered. zz963 cases in Georgia, 15 deaths, 841 recovered cases. 4,423 people are under quarantine and 222 people are “under hospital supervision”.

The latest WHO sit-reps are here

Visualisation and case numbers are here and on GO Platform 2

On June 12, 2020, the State of Emergency in Armenia was However, individuals are still subject to a number of restrictions, extended for an additional 30 days, through July 13, 2020. including a prohibition on public gatherings of more than 10 Safety and distancing measures are in place and strong risk people. The government has adopted a package of measures communication and awareness raising activities are conducted aimed at reducing the negative impact of COVID-19 outbreak to prevent transmission. Government actions include closure on the national economy, the entrepreneurship and banking of schools and universities, prohibition of events with more sectors, as well as strengthening the social protection of the than five persons in attendance, screening and quarantine people. The primary health care system is being involved in measures, and restriction of entry into Armenia. While schools treatment of COVID-19 patients to ease the burden of hospitals. and universities remain closed, most restrictions on businesses and the movement of individuals, including the requirement The Georgian government has announced the end of the State to carry a passport and government form, have been lifted. All of Emergency, effective of May 23. Several other restrictions individuals are requested to wear face masks in public spaces. on movement and gatherings throughout Georgia have also Children under the age of six, as well as individuals exercising been eased. All public transport, including the metro and inter- or riding a bike, are exempted from this requirement. Face city trains resumed services, though passengers are required masks are also required in vehicles containing more than one to wear face masks. Until at least July 15, face masks must passenger, regardless of whether the passengers are all family be worn in all enclosed public spaces. Assembly of persons members. Entry into the country is suspended for any traveller in one location up to a maximum of 10 people is permitted. who is not either a citizen of Armenia, a member of the family All retail and wholesale shops, including malls and currency of a citizen, or a lawful resident of Armenia. Those who are per- exchanges, are open. Hotels resume operations after inspec- mitted to enter, are on self-quarantine or self-monitor for 14 tion and permission from the Ministry of Health. Commercial days. Armenian healthcare system remains overburdened and air travel to Georgia is suspended through at least July 31. treatment of mild and moderate COVID-19 cases is carried out Land borders remain closed to passenger travel with some at the primary health care system. exceptions. Anyone who recently traveled to any area with a significant number of infections remain in voluntary isolation The special restrictions are extended till 20 July in Azerbaijan. for two weeks, even if they do not have symptoms. Government All of Country borders are closed to passenger traffic. Flights established a hotline (144) for COVID-19, which gives the into and out of Azerbaijan are no longer available. All arriv- up-to-date information in English or Georgian. Although the als are being placed in a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Covid-19 situation remains stable, it caused the public health government-provided facilities, regardless of travel origin. and socio-economic challenges. The secondary impact of the After July 5, restrictions on movement remain partially eased COVID-19 crisis needs to be assessed and addressed in an for all regions of Azerbaijan except for Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja, appropriate and complex way. Lankaran, Absheron, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. © Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society 3

IFRC South Caucasus Country Cluster Support Team

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent practice (KAP) survey through working on questionnaires and Societies (IFRC) through its Regional Office in South Caucasus, selection of target groups for a survey. supports the Armenian Red Cross, Azerbaijan Red Crescent and Georgia Red Cross from the first days of the crisis. The chart ‘Mental Health and Psycho-social support (MHPSS) after pan- above shows the type and number of programmes undertaken demic’ was a theme of the South Caucasus MHPSS technical by Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in South Caucasus in group meeting that took place on 2 July with participation of Red response to COVID-19. Cross and Red Crescent Societies from Armenian, Azerbaijan, Austria, Denmark, Georgia and Iceland, IFRC PSS reference The IFRC mobilised more than CHF 3.9 million for the National centre in Denmark, Regional office for Europe of the IFRC, Societies’ response in South Caucasus through its Emergency Regional office for EurAsia of ICRC and Country offices (Armenia, Appeal. USAID’s contribution stands at 51% of the overall mobil- Azerbaijan, Georgia) of the ICRC. The meeting of the MHPSS ised funds, contribution from DFID accounts for 28%, from technical group focused on exploring existing approaches and Canadian Government to 18% and 3% comes from Procter & activities of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies after Gamble. The IFRC continues to seek contributions to respond emergencies and crises and on planning for MHPSS in the after- to the current and future needs, including thinking through the math of the acute phase of COVID-19. secondary impacts of the crisis. The outstanding amount to support the current operations is CHF 4.7 million for the next Proper Water and Sanitation intervention (WASH) with a strong 12 months for the South Caucasus region. hygiene promotion component is one of the most important preventive measures against COVID-19, and other diseases IFRC continues working on risk communication and community during the emergencies in general. To contribute to COVID-19 engagement, consulting its experts and best practices of the prevention and response, four sessions of webinars on WASH neighboring countries. To gauge the level of knowledge and was conducted by the IFRC WASH Geneva team. Teams of three understanding of COVID-19 in population, and to have a chance national societies of South Caucasus and Central Asia regions, of measuring the achieved results of risk communication activ- and representatives of ICRC delegation from three countries of ities, the preparation started for a knowledge, attitude, and South Caucasus took active part in these webinars, including ICRC health officers for South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Sessions 4

take place on a weekly basis and the training cascade will The IFRC together with National Societies in the South Caucasus be further carried out. Various topics that focus in WASH in region are considering moving some COVID-19 support activ- Emergencies (assessment and development of plan of action) ities to cash programming. To understand possibilities a cash were introduced. Relation between WASH and Public health expert has been deployed to conduct an assessment, including / hygiene promotion / the importance of handwashing, Solid looking partially at the impact on livelihoods – a more thorough waste, green response and disinfection in times of COVID, assessment on livelihoods will be undertaken at a slightly later WASH activities at schools and community engagement in stage. The Austrian Red Cross seconded their staff member WASH activities were discussed at the interactive sessions. t the IFRC for this piece of work.

To prepare for opening of schools possibly in September, thus Another assessment will start in July to better understand the to address the WASH needs in schools in the South Caucasus impact of COVID-19 on older people and care workers, includ- countries, the WASH survey is planned to identify the situation ing volunteers, who are at increased risk of fatalities and indirect with an access to clean water, the existing issues, and gaps social consequences that are likely to affect in specific ways. The for improvement. The level of hygiene practices will also be assessment, supported by the Austrian Red Cross and Swiss assessed. The communication is initiated with different stake- red Cross, will help to understand impacts on the physical and holders involved in WASH activities in Georgia, including with mental health of older people and care workers, as well as on UNICEF. Establishing of contacts with other organizations will their social and health needs. It will identify the needs and gaps ensure stronger and coordinated response strategies. for a longer-term support. 5

Armenian Red Cross Society

Armenian Red Cross, COVID-19 operation, programmes and number of people reached

The Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS), as an auxiliary orga- Red Cross’ volunteers support the humanitarian operation nization to the public authorities in the humanitarian field and across the country. ARCS also works with the people in isolation the largest voluntary organization in the country has a network and people with COVID-19 positive cases with mild symptoms of 11 regional, one territorial and 52 community branches, over and taking treatment at home. These people also receive social 60 experienced and committed staff and over 3,000 volunteers. support and PSS consultation. Armenian Red Cross is the main and the largest humanitarian partner of the public authorities in the COVID-19 response Armenian RC works in cooperation with the Prime covering the whole country. Minister’s Office and Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure and ARCS is part of the national response mechanism which is set in partnership with national and local businesses listed in the up under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister of the section Partners and Donors below. country. From the very first days of the State of Emergency, the ARCS has been implementing activities in response to the ARCS Psycho-social support centres operate in an emergency needs of vulnerable groups in collaboration and coordination mode, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the with the Commandant’s office, Ministry of Labor and Social Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, in four locations of Armenia: Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Territorial Administration two in Yerevan, the capital city, one in Tavush region, city of and Infrastructure, all the Administrative Regions of Armenia Dilijan, another one in Gegharquniq region, city of Gavar, where and the Yerevan Municipality. ARCS psychologists provide psycho-social support services to anxious citizens and also conduct volunteer recruitment, All ARCS care services continue to operate in the same mode, registration and provide guidance. The centres allow the iden- humanitarian assistance is being provided to lonely older tification of people in difficult situations, establish their needs people, people with disabilities and refugees in ongoing projects. and assign volunteers to help with some households needs, including with shopping for lonely older people and people with To date in response to COVID-19, the Armenian Red Cross disabilities. Between 16 March and 08 July, 7 PSS officers and Society has supported over 23,000 vulnerable people across staff responded to 12,700 calls and helped with 730 home visits the country with basic food and hygiene supplies, in line with by volunteers. Armenian RC continues to operate hotlines for the standards set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs people who are in isolation and provides referrals and direct and according to the lists provided by the later. 1,500 Armenian services that are within its response plan. 6

ARCS Hotline (March–May 2020 | 9 000 calls recorded

The Armenian RC is focusing on risk communication across the (CJSC), “ Sevani Ishkhan” (CJSC), “Sonanush” (LLC), “Green Farmer” whole country through printed information materials, social (LLC), “Eco Fresh mushrooms” (LLC), “Ingo Armenia” (LLC), “Agro media and telephone. To-date 570,000 people were directly Trade” (LLC), “Golden Baker”, “Royal - Armenia”, “Smogsoyoiz” covered by ARCS’ risk communication and awareness raising LLC, X Group, “Bayazed” (LLC), “Refruit” (LLC), Araks Poultry work. Leaflets with the hot-line numbers of Armenian govern- factory, Refruit (LTD), Carrefour Armenia, Electric networks of ment structures and Armenian Red Cross were printed and Armenia, GAT cutting, Carrefour Armenia. distributed to the general population and people in isolation. Leaflets were printed based on translated versions of leaflets Armenian Red Cross is supported technically and financially in developed by the IFRC. In cooperation with the office of Prime the planning, implementation and management of COVID-19 Minister the Armenian Red Cross Society established 36 Red response by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross stands all over Yerevan to communicate information on Crescent Societies. More detailed information is provided in the COVID19, its risks and prevention activities as well as provide IFRC Section of the bulletin. With support from ICRC, the ARCS protection materials to the public. Such stands will also be volunteers and staff involved in the response across the coun- placed in the regions of Armenia, regional centers. try received personal protective items such as 15,000 masks, 15,000 gloves and 800 liters of hand cleansing liquid. Partners and Donors of Armenian Red Cross Society ARCS expresses its deep appreciation for the financial support from the Austrian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Swiss Red Armenian Red Cross expresses its appreciation to the national Cross, German Red Cross, the European Union, USAID, HSBC, businesses for their generous donations. The donors are “Milko” Izmirlian Charity foundation.

Meet Armenian Red Cross’ Volunteers

I have been involved in the Armenian Red Cross Society as a volunteer for a long time. I consider being by the side of our people during an emergency as my duty. The words of gratitude I receive after doing my work motivate me to feel even more responsible and take care of vulnerable people. Humanitarian work is much more valuable when people around you appreciate it.

Lilit Tovmasyan, 21y 7

Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society

Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, COVID-19 operation, number of projects delivered

Azerbaijan Red Crescent as an auxiliary organization to the All 1,978 volunteers and all staff members who are involved public authorities in the humanitarian field provides human- in the COVID-19 response operation regularly receive online itarian assistance to vulnerable people through its network training sessions, supervision and support through digital composed of Headquarters, the Nakhchivan Autonomous platforms and phone calls. Feedback from staff and volunteers, Republic Committee, eight regional centres, 92 local and field AzRC operational experience and discussions with govern- branches and primary organizations. The National Society has mental and international organisations and stakeholders in about 300,000 members and over 22,000 registered volunteers COVID-19 response revealed the continued need in reinforc- of which nearly 6,000 are active. ing the following topics: risk communication, rules of conduct during COVID-19, personal hygiene and key hygienic rules, All humanitarian activities that Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society instructions during distribution process to ensure no virus is undertakes in support of the efforts of public authorities passed to people benefiting from aid, healthy life style (healthy against COVID-19 are done under the slogan “We are stronger food, physical exercises while staying at home), importance together”. PSS messages during quarantine on coping with stress, proper hand washing via personal demonstrations during visits / han- Since March up to present the AzRC provided 20,300 vulner- dling of food parcels or hygienic packages. able households, including lonely older people, people with disabilities and migrant families with relief assistance consisting Also with technical support from the IFRC and ICRC National of essential food and non-food support and providing social Society is developing training modules, surveys and approaches services in Baku and 75 locations across the country. This sup- on Community-Based Surveillance, impact of COVID-19 on port included previous donations from Turkish Cooperation elderly lone people, WASH, Mental Health and Psychosocial and Coordination Agency (TIKA), one of the largest supermar- support and communication. Along with developing materials ket chains Bravo, ARAZ, Procter and Gamble, donations from joint efforts goes on regularly providing staff and volunteers private companies, using the financial resources of the AzRC with skills and knowledge on e.g. First Aid, WASH, MHPSS amounting to circa 150,000 EUR, financial support from IFRC through the AzRC’ Facebook page or webinars. See more infor- and donor organizations like USAID. There is more information mation in the section Partners and Donors. in the section Partners and Donors below. 8 © Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society

Respectively following trainings, regular instructions, reminding well as emotionally safe. Mainly phone callers are women, age is along with socio-economic support, awareness raising and risk between 30–55 years old. Average duration of the call is 2 min. communication work goes on a regular bases in all regional branches. Brochures, leaflets and posters on COVID-19 preven- The AzRC keeps regular contacts with Government agencies tion and PSS topic are regularly delivered to the population with (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Emergency Situations), local relevant clarifications and explanations. AzRC distributes mate- authorities in Baku and the regions and international orga- rials of own production and or the ones produced by partners nizations and UN agencies (e.g. WHO, UNICEF) in order to such as MoH / PHRC and UNICEF. Thus from so far published coordinate activities and clarify mutual areas of involvement. 916,000 information-promotional materials, 2,500 have been Regular updates about the National Society’s activities and ini- provided by the PHRC and 35,350 - by UNICEF. Almost 845,000 tiatives are shared with relevant Government authorities. communication materials were presented to various groups of population either separately or during food and hygienic Additional information and news about the work of Red items distribution (home or door to door visits), at bus stops, Crescent Society of Azerbaijan can be found http://eng.redcres- markets, and retail outlets through AzRC staff and volunteers. cent.az/news/post-6357.html. The distribution of information-promotional materials to the population is ongoing. Partners and Donors of Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society The AzRC established a hotline in Baku on the basis of its HQs. Information about the hotline is placed on the AzRC Azerbaijan Red Crescent greatly appreciates support from webpage and Facebook page. 4,962 phone calls were so far USAID and the visit by the US Ambassador Lee Litzenberger registered in Baku and around 51,000 calls were received by and US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission the AzRC’s branches. The calls are mainly about requesting Director Dr. Jay Singh to its Warehouse in Baku on Friday on support, especially from those who have low or no income, June 19 where boxes of USAID-funded hygiene supplies were who are forced to stay at home, or people who are restricted being prepared for distribution. to continue working (especially in strict quarantine regime periods). Also people applied for information on proper hand Azerbaijan Red Crescent is supported technically and financially washing, COVID-19 symptoms, using masks and actions to be in the planning, implementation and management of COVID-19 done to overcome quarantine regime. Using this opportunity, response by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red the AzRC delivered risk communication messages, informed Crescent Societies, including with funding from USAID, DFID, about protective measures and how to stay physically safe as Canadian Government and P&G. National Society staff and 9

volunteers already distributed food and non-food items for ways of prevention from COVID19, dealing with psychological 800 households and over 800,000 leaflets, posters via city and and psychosocial aspects like stress, panic and possible positive district branches in Baku, Sumgayit and 53 regions. motivation increased due to carried out efforts and by means of submitted risk communication IEMs. Results will be collected As a next step National Society is going to purchase 3,600 food soon to develop Rapid Survey Report. and hygienic parcels, sanitizers, liquid soap as well as PPEs for 1,800 volunteers. Also a new batch of promotion materials, over 6,400 parcels were distributed to the households in Baku, 935,000 is planned to be issued. So far necessary procurement Sumgayit and the rest 75 regions (socially vulnerable families, rules and procedures are followed. including lonely older people, people with disabilities, families with many children, migrant families) under the agreement In coordination with the IFRC, the strong collaboration contin- with P&G Company. Starting from July new initiative came into ued with the AzRCS to coordinate activities and provide support force: the company decided to prolong cooperation and involve where necessary. ICRC Mental Health and Psychosocial Support consumers more in the process of donation. The consumers (MHPSS) team prepared a series of materials that include informed that “Per each purchased products there will be videos with training content and recommendations directed donation to Red Crescent on top of provided support to 30.000 to partners and beneficiaries. ICRC Health department pro- people in need to continue initiatives towards COVID-19”. vides regular online First Aid sessions for the AzRC volunteers “Under one roof, with HOPE to the future” is the slogan of the to support their operations. Thus more than 30 volunteers one month campaign. It is presumed that another 1,500 house- benefited from the weekly online First Aid sessions. Moreover, holds will be provided with hygienic parcels. 5 Emergency Mobile Volunteer Teams (EMVT) of the AzRC, 50 volunteers in total received from the ICRC personal protection AzRC finalized the work jointly with EU Delegation in Azerbaijan items like masks, gloves and alcohol sprays as well. ICRC also on proposal, which focused on risk communication, issuing provides logistics support to the volunteers in case of necessity promotion materials, collaboration with media agencies and to ensure their operational response. Cooperation established PSS related initiatives. in WASH area, thus based on preliminary research and assess- ments of the situation further initiatives might be carried out. AzRC is using an opportunity to express its every and each gratitude to Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Partnership between AzRC and UNICEF in risk communica- (TIKA), TISA, the International School in Azerbaijan, networks tion among younger generations and their communities on of largest supermarkets in the country like “Bravo”, “ARAZ”, COVID-19 and psychosocial topics continues. 33,350 people “Bolmart”, “Grandmarket”, “Bazarstore” and “Rahatmarket”, were directly covered by 322 staff and volunteers from 22 “Azertechnoline” LLC and “HydroConstruction Service” LLC, city and local branches and more than 330,000 indirectly via SOCAR Polymer Factory Co and several other local donors for submitting various IEM materials. Staff and volunteers were support in providing vulnerable categories of population with provided with PPEs. Videos developed on COVID-19 and PSS food and non-food items through a humanitarian campaigns related topics and they planned to be demonstrated via the under the slogans like “Let’s unite to tackle COVID-19 together. AzRC social network pages, used during training sessions and Let’s help older people stay at home”. Due to this collection, awareness of general public. The project is going to be finalized the National Society’s own funds and the support of other local with survey, which already started and should allow to reveal donors, almost 13,962 households were provided with food whether knowledge of population, especially young people on and non-food support.

Meet Azerbaijan Red Crescent Volunteers

“Hello. Let me introduce myself. My name is Huseynly Fikret and I am studying at school N237, 9 class. I am the AzRC volunteer at the Khazar district local branch for almost one year. I had several opportunities to help others as a volunteer and one of them was dissemination of knowledge about COVID-19 among teenagers and within families based on materials given us by the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and UNICEF. Though a lot of information on COVID-19 is available these days, there is still a need to continue this work. I am always ready to provide my assistance in different initiatives of the Red Crescent of Azerbaijan.” © Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society 10

Georgia Red Cross Society

The Covid-19 outbreak in Georgia has triggered both public gone into self-isolation; healthcare workers; personnel who run health and socio-economic challenges. The ongoing and special quarantine spaces; screening authorities (customs offi- increasing efforts of the government of Georgia, health insti- cers, food security monitors); laboratory personnel who carry tutions, humanitarian actors, and the international community out testing; freight truck drivers (except for transit freights); have led to positive impacts; however, there is still much more personnel of correctional facilities; public transportation driv- to do, especially towards addressing the secondary impact of ers; conscripts. From June 19, the Georgian government has the COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, collective response is so crucial allowed holding educational events, such as conferences and to achieve success in the fight against the novel coronavi- seminars, as well as exercising some outdoor sporting activities rus pandemic. provided that all participants observe guidelines devised by the Health ministry. The Government has revised a list of at-risk groups who are subject to mandatory, free-of-charge COVID-19 testing. The Efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID19 are following high-risk professions are included in the updated enhanced and expanded; there is a need for the continued testing protocol: patients who display COVID-19 symptoms provision of vital humanitarian assistance to the most at-risk outlined in Health Ministry guidelines; all traced contacts of people. The government has launched the anti-crisis plan to infected patients; persons who were quarantined or have 11 tackle the socio-economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 Psychological First Aid crisis in Georgia. Starting from early days from the outbreak of the disease, the GRCS MHPSS team is the frontline operator serving communi- ties in need. Immediately after the onset of the crisis, the Georgia Red Cross launched a free of charge daily Hotline service (0800 000 018). To-date over 6,500 call were processed. The first and foremost aim of the hotline is to provide Psychological First Aid (including three principles “Look, Listen and Link”) through actively listening, emotional support to people concerns and helping them deal with their challenges. Moreover, the hotline

© Georgia Red Cross offers general information on the COVID-19 and referral to various State and Non-State services. With the support from IFRC and USAID the Georgia Red Cross Society has the opportunity to help local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic The GRCS MHPSS team, consisting of 5 staff members and a group of volunteer psychologists are working on the interven- The Georgia Red Cross Society with an auxiliary role to the public tion plan aiming at Helping the Helpers: NS staff and volunteers, authorities, in line with its mission, has expanded the emer- and medical/quarantine personnel. gency response operations in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Tbilisi City Hall and the municipalities in the regions, Psychosocial informational through its network of 39 local branches and over 5 000 Red campaign/Risk Communication Cross active volunteers throughout the country. And over 4 500 trained spontaneous volunteers. At the very beginning of the crisis, the NS launched an infor- mation campaign. The NS was guided by various reference In cooperation with the State Coordinating Council against the materials provided by the IFRC PS Centre, Danish Red Cross and spread of COVID-19, The Georgia Red Cross Society is arrang- WHO. Adapted, translated, and published materials (leaflets, ing special spaces for testing at 11 border check-points of the posters etc.) are encompassing psychoeducation. Information country. Georgia Red Cross volunteers and staff are involved leaflets have already been distributed all over Georgia through in the process. 39 branches.

Regular body temperature monitoring of people is being car- The MHPSS component is an integral part of all COVID-19 ried out in different regions of Georgia using the door-to-door related training modules. Within the Risk Communication approach. During this activity the risk communication and pro- approach, representatives of 39 branches of the NS and local tective messages are being delivered. and central government were trained to expand and further disseminate key messages at branch level. Once the state of All Georgia Red Cross staff and volunteers who are involved emergency announced the NS switched from face-to-face train- in COVID-19 operation are equipped with personal protective ing modality to online (virtual) training mode. This specialized equipment and well trained to ensure personal protection and for volunteers training module on COVID-19 consists of various protection of people who are being supported by the Georgia topics, such as general overview of COVID-19, the NCDC recom- Red Cross. mendations on personal protection measures, social stigma and stress related to the COVID-19. Over 2.5 million people have been reached through printed and online media, active appearance on TV channels, online training, Coordination of Psychosocial Support and information sessions. Informational and educational mate- Platform in the country rials are produced in Georgian, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Ossetian, and Abkhazian languages and are disseminated among the The GRCS launched a MHPSS Coordination Platform, including entire population, national minorities among them. Georgia all the relevant non-governmental organizations and profes- Red Cross Society is working on elaboration of the booklet sional groups in the country working in MHPSS response to focusing on people in quarantine zones, which will be printed the COVID-19 crisis, with the aim to contribute to sharing and disseminated among those people. information, experience and lessons learned between the key stakeholders in the humanitarian sector and coordinating The GRCS Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) activities to reach and support maximum number of vulnera- activities are based on methods and tools developed by the IFRC ble people living in Georgia. The very useful information about Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PS Centre) and the existing MHPSS services across the country is already gathered IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. by the GRCS MHPSS staff and the online coordination meetings are being conducted. 12

One of the crucial services of the Georgia Red Cross Society is Humanitarian Relief to socially vulnerable people and older people (age over 70) through provision of food and hygienic items. Over 80 000 older people were assisted with basic food and hygienic items: over 20 000 older people in Tbilisi. © Georgia Red Cross

The volunteers of the Georgia Red Cross Chkhorotsku branch are distributing parcels of basic necessities to the socially vulnerable, lonely older people.

One of the crucial services of the Georgia Red Cross Society same approach has been duplicated in all 39 the Municipalities is Humanitarian Relief to socially vulnerable people and where Georgia Red Cross Society branches are present. older people (age over 70) through provision of food and hygienic items. Over 80 000 older people were assisted with Provision of Home Care services that includes taking care of basic food and hygienic items: over 20 000 older people persons with specific needs in homebound settings through in Tbilisi. Georgia RC home care services. The home care services are being provided to over 1 000 persons with specific needs with Over 10,000 food and hygiene parcels were collected and dis- support of the Red Cross home care teams. The main atten- tributed through the nationwide campaign for older people with tion is paid to have professional home care teams and provide such supermarket chains as “Carrefour”, “Agrohub”, “Goodwill” regular training. During the times of restrictions, the Georgia “Smart”, “Magniti”, “Ori Nabiji”. Red Cross Society continued the provision of the Home care services. The organizations working with the elderly beneficia- With support from the Embassy of Sweden the Georgia Red ries asked Georgia Red Cross to support them and to provide Cross provides humanitarian assistance consisting of food and home care service for their beneficiaries as well. Georgia Red hygienic items to people with TB, who are among the most vul- Cross aims to reach more than 3000 beneficiaries and increase nerable groups to the consequences of COVID-19. On 2 July the scope of coverage. President of the Georgia Red Natia Loladze and the Ambassador of Sweden visited the National Center for Tuberculosis. Branches of the Georgia Red Cross are members of the municipality-level COVID-19 Task Force established in the The Georgia Red Cross with financial support from ICRC started regions, and the regular communication and information provision of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable exchange is ongoing. The branches are receiving technical sup- 1,300 older people over 70 years of age living along the ABLs port from municipalities - such as vehicles and other resources with South Ossetia and Abkhazia, further contributing to food to deliver services. security and reduction of exposure to the risk of the COVID-19 infection. The Georgia Red Cross Society, as the member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is taking The Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with part in regular Movement platform and coordination meet- Tbilisi City Hall and 24 municipalities with focus on training and ings with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red distribution of essential items, thus helping the most at-risk Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red people and encouraging them to stay home and be safe. The Cross and partner National Societies. 13

Partners and Donors of the Georgia Red Cross:

With support from the IFRC, the Georgia Red Cross issued its second Emergency Appeal letter. Through active fundraising efforts, the Georgia Red Cross raised funds from the diplomatic corps, UN agencies, USAID, corporate partners, foundations such as Coca-Cola Foundation, and individuals as well as in-kind donations.

The Georgia Red Cross greatly appreciates the humanitarian assistance both in-kind and financial support received from the Movement partners: IFRC, ICRC and partner NSs.

The Georgia Red Cross Society expresses gratitude and thankfulness to the partner and donor organizations for supporting the Georgia Red Cross anti-Covid-19 operations:

USAID GEORGIA Spanish Red Cross EU French Red Cross DFID China Red Cross Austrian Development Agency Embassy of Switzerland in Tbilisi Corporates, in total 18 and among them: Embassy of Sweden in Tbilisi The Coca Cola Foundation Embassy of Germany in Tbilisi APM Terminals Poti Embassy of Austria CARREFOUR Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development BADAGONI of Georgia SILKNET Ministry of Health Georgia Investing Group “Energia LLC” UNDP Mondelez Georgia LLC UNFPA Flat Rock Technologies LLC The BILTMORE Tbilisi Movement partners: Hotel BORJOMI International Federation of Red Cross and Red HILTON Hotel in Batumi Crescent Societies GEORGIAN POST International Committee of the Red Cross ASORTI Swiss Red Cross NUGBARI Austrian Red Cross BEELINE Danish Red Cross GEOCELL Kuwait Red Crescent MAGTICOM Turkish Red Crescent FORBES WOMAN GEORGIA Norwegian Red Cross

On May 27, Katie Melua held a charity online concert to support Georgia Red Cross. The Red Cross Society of Georgia expresses special thanks to music Katie Melua and the community for their involvement and support. 14 © Armenian Red Cross Society

How we work

All IFRC assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for The IFRC’s work is guided by Strategy 2020 which puts forward the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and three strategic aims: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in Disaster Relief and the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most from disaster and crises. vulnerable. 2. Enable healthy and safe living. The IFRC’s vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human and peace. suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.

For more information please contact:

Armenian Red Cross Society Georgian Red Cross Society Mariana Harutyunyan Nino Burtikashvili Head of International Affairs Dept Deputy Secretary General email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] phone +374 93 554 963 phone: +995 577 23 00 28

Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society IFRC Country Cluster Support Team Sabina Mahbubi-İran for Southern Caucasus Deputy Secretary General Olga Dzhumaeva email: [email protected] Head of Country Cluster Support Team phone: +994 504 901 205 email: [email protected] phone: +995 591 703 273