Georgian President Calls for ‘Safety, not Fear’

President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili has declared a televised statement concerning the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The President underlined that international visits have been disregarded and numerous gatherings have been canceled at the presidential palace.

“Our country, as well as virtually the whole world, is going to a completely different way of life. A new coronavirus has been declared a pandemic. This, of course, means that the situation is serious. But it must be said that the pandemic involves not a certain level of danger but indicates the geographical spread of the disease - to every continent. Currently, in the reality when some countries are struggling against a severe outbreak of the epidemic, - the situation is not alarming in our country - timely and effective measures have been taken since the very first day that led us to maximum control of the spread of the disease, although this does not mean that we can slacken and not to prepare for all possible scenarios. Everyone is obliged to take the existing recommendations into account. President's office, along with other state agencies, has taken the necessary measures. At the first stage, international visits have been canceled and various receptions have been restricted at the presidential palace. Visits to the various regions of Georgia have also been canceled. Part of the administration staff has moved to a remote regime, however, in this particular regime, full-scale work continues and the administration's work at the Interagency Commission continues. From the very first day, the state, and in particular the health system, has taken all measures to curb the widespread disease. The relevant departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance carry out an effective control on the borders. As a result of these measures, the disease has not yet become more severe. International partners and the World Health Organization gave a positive assessment of our steps. We have no reason and right to panic. Refusing to panic does not mean refusing to be careful, to be cautious and to take recommendations into consideration. It is our joint responsibility to limit the spread of the disease as much as possible – all the more, the disease does not just affect human health and life, but it threatens the country and its economy in general. That is why we must take responsibility jointly.

Coping with an epidemic can in no way turn into xenophobia or any other form of aggression. With the state making every effort to contain the pandemic in the country, the political forces, just as the citizens of that country, had to take particular responsibility. We must be united in the fight against this disease and its economic consequences, and this unity will ensure tomorrow's victory,” the President stated.

Salome Zurabishvili advised the media representatives to deliver full and transparent information on the ongoing outbreaks and instead to abstain from distributing unauthentic information, which unquestionably is the main source of panic.

“In this reality, we cannot forget our citizens who are living in the occupied territories under the humanitarian crisis and have become more vulnerable to this challenge. Finally, caution and not fear!” the President concluded.

By B.Alexishvili