Georgian Gov't Sets New Restrictions amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The Interagency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, has set new restrictions and issued additional recommendations in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. 

At Monday's sitting, the Council announced that from March 18, in order to prevent the risks related to the coronavirus outbreak, foreign citizens are to be banned from entering Georgia. 

The Prime Minister's spokesperson Irakli Chikovani explained that Georgian citizens will be able to return to the country.

“For the next two weeks, foreign citizens will not be allowed to enter Georgia. Georgian citizens and their family members who wish to return to Georgia may use the air service operated by Georgian Airlines, ” he said.

In addition, although the season isn't over yet, Georgia's ski resorts will be temporarily shut and will no longer serve holidaymakers. 

Cafes, restaurants and bars are recommended to temporarily restrict direct service to citizens and operate only delivery services. 

"Today, we have to unequivocally discuss and decide on closing cafés, restaurants, and bars. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to manage the situation. The Ministry of Finance should work to mitigate this effect," PM Gakharia said at the Council sitting.

The Government Administration is to set up a monitoring mechanism for the implementation of decisions taken at the meeting of the Council.

The Interagency Coordination Council advises citizens over 70 years to avoid going to public places.

"With the involvement of medical staff, it has been decided to recommend that Georgian citizens over 70 years of age should refrain from going to public places and try to isolate themselves as much as possible to avoid any threat to their health," PM's Spokesperson Irakli Chikovani said. 

Respective line ministers bear responsibility over each direction.

Head of Government of Georgia was briefed at the Inter-Agency Coordination Council Meeting today about the current health condition of the Coronavirus-infected patients and preparedness of healthcare facilities if and when their engagement becomes required. It was also noted at the meeting that 33 individuals are infected as of today and health condition in the majority of cases is satisfactory.

The condition of each patient is stable and they are undergoing the applicable medical treatment.

Coordination Council was briefed that 637 individuals are quarantined at present and 54 remain under monitoring and surveillance at healthcare facilities of the country.

Prime Minister of Georgia once again urged the citizens of the country to adhere to the recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health of Georgia (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO), frequently wash hands, avoid places of public gathering, keep away from foreign travel and if occurring in the risk zone – strictly practice the rules of self-isolation.

Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia for the prevention of COVID-19 influx continues to meet on a regular basis under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Administration of the President of Georgia and respective Committee of the Parliament of Georgia are actively engaged in the work of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia.

By Ana Dumbadze

Related Story: All Foreign Citizens to be Banned from Entering Georgia

16 March 2020 14:28