State of Emergency Declared in Georgia amid Coronavirus

Georgia declares a State of Emergency for a month, until April 21, amid coronavirus concerns, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced at a special briefing today. 

"The Georgian government is applying to the President today to introduce a State of Emergency for the whole country for one month, until April 21, 2020," PM said.

He explained the government's rights during the state of emergency. 

“The state of emergency enables the government to forcibly take persons for violating the rules of self-isolation or quarantine to a special establishment, or use sanctions for violation of the rules; impose restrictions on international passenger, air and land traffic; change the rules of public delivery and the rules and time limits of administrative proceedings. The Government will be entitled to restrict the right of ownership for the quarantine, isolation and medical purposes and, if necessary, use the property of natural or legal persons. Gathering of more than 10 people will be restricted. The Government will have the right to restrict the activities of private organizations, businesses, or task them with performing specific activities. If necessary, the Government will regulate prices on medicines, medical services, and essentials. The Government will determine the rules of education. If necessary, the Government will mobilize persons of appropriate medical education and authority. Court hearings may be held remotely," Gakharia said.

The declaration of a State of Emergency is linked to a new coronavirus that has been raging throughout the world for almost three months for now. 

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has reached 47 in Georgia. 

Currently, there are 1966 people in quarantine and 259 citizens under examination in hospitals throughout the country.

1 out of 47 people has already recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

By Ana Dumbadze