PM Discusses Reasons behind Declaration of General Quarantine with Patriarch

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has met with the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, to discuss reasons behind the declaration of general quarantine throughout the country. 

Head of the Patriarchate's Public Relations Service, Andria Jagmaidze, claims that the declaration of universal quarantine was unexpected even for the Church. Accordingly, the Georgian PM elaborated on the need for the declaration of quarantine during his meeting with the Patriarch. 

“The Church also has to take some measures. The current situation and recent changes were discussed at the meeting. The Patriarchate is in constant contact with the Center for Disease Control and other structures in order to be at the center of developments. The declaration of quarantine and curfew took us by surprise. We are discussing our next steps and will inform the public about it. I can't say anything more at this point," said Archbishop Andria.

A nationwide curfew took effect in Georgia today, meaning that citizens will be banned from leaving their homes from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Yesterday, the government made the decision to significantly tighten measures within the framework of the state of emergency, effectively declaring a universal quarantine, which came into force this morning, at 8:00. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Nationwide Curfew Takes Effect in Georgia