Georgia Considers Cancelation of Direct Flights from China

"Direct flights from China to Georgia have suspended for the time being," Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze stated today. 

“Today, the Ministry will discuss the cancellation of the next flights from China,” she added.

The Minister noted that the citizens of Georgia are advised to refrain from traveling to Asia.

"At this stage, we can only tell citizens that it is their personal responsibility, whether they comply with these recommendations and refrain from traveling to Asia. We have established an Emergency Coordination Group that is workingactively with international organizations. Our air traffic is under control and we receive information from all airlines operating in Georgia. Therefore, all preventive measures have been taken,” she said.

The minister denied the information that doctors are refusing to work at the airport and check passengers via remote thermometers due to the lack of proper equipment.

“To date, there has been no refusal by any physician to do the necessary work at the airport. We, the doctors, have all taken the oath and always do our best at our own risk. At this stage, the World Health Organization has not provided specific guidelines to impose strict regulations at airports, but we are ready and responsive if necessary," she said. 

The Health Minister added that the Ministry has not given any recommendations to the government regarding trade restrictions.

Emergency Coordination and Emergency Center crews joined the team of epidemiologists at Tbilisi International Airport to begin taking preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus.

Medics check passengers via both remote thermometers and personal interviews. They also provide information on the symptomatic characteristics of the virus. In terms of the potential spread of the virus, Georgia is among the countries at low risk.