Session of Coordination Council, Chaired by PM, Held Via Videoconferencing

The number of calls to 112 is increasing in accordance with the development of the epidemiological situation in Georgia. The calls are being forwarded to family or village doctors. The strengthening of telemedicine services and the important role played by 112 in the fight against COVID-19 was emphasized during today's session of the Interagency Coordination Council, which was held via videoconferencing under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

The head of government noted that today, 112 has become the first line of defense in the fight against COVID-19 as it allows citizens to receive highly qualified consultations as soon as symptoms appear, as well as to determine if they should stay at home or go to a hospital.

During the session, the Ministry of Healthcare presented information regarding the readiness of the so-called fever clinics of the primary healthcare system and the clinics earmarked to receive COVID-19 patients.

According to the prime minister, the greatest importance is attached to the detection of new cases of the coronavirus and the effectiveness of the management system.

Active monitoring of clinics throughout Georgia is ongoing under the leadership of Dimitri Khundadze, chairman of the Healthcare and Social Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia. It was decided at the session of the Interagency Council that the responses to the results of monitoring must be as fast and efficient as possible, and that this will be systematically verified. Majoritarian Parliament deputies and local government representatives will be actively involved in the process. Control will be carried out in full coordination with the Ministry of Healthcare and the special headquarters.

The situation in terms of food and medical supplies in the country was also discussed at the session of the Coordination Council. Agriculture and Environmental Protection Minister Levan Davitashvili noted that there are no problems with food supplies in the country, which are being constantly replenished without hindrance. As regards the additionally acquired medical equipment, including personal protection equipment – they will be in Georgia in the coming days.

It was noted that control measures (including the thermal screening of the population) are being actively implemented at the special checkpoints set up at the entrances to municipalities. It was also stated that it cannot be ruled out that the council will make similar decisions in connection with other cities, depending on the future development of the epidemiological situation and the recommendations of medical professionals.

The process of inspecting the observance of the restrictions imposed under the state of emergency and the implementation of the recommendations issued by the Ministry of Healthcare in the enterprises that continue to operate (or have submitted the relevant application to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development) was discussed during the video conference. According to Economy Minister Natia Turnava, as of today, inspections have been carried out in 122 companies across Georgia, in cooperation with the Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Healthcare. Shortcomings were discovered at 20 of the inspected companies. They were given time to ensure the compliance of the work process and environment with the recommendations of the Ministry of Healthcare. Similar efforts are underway at construction sites. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze informed the council that up to 150 construction sites have already been inspected in the capital. The constriction process is ongoing at 92 sites where the relevant standards were met. However, at this stage, construction has been halted at the sites where insufficient compliance with safety measures was discovered.

The control of labor safety regulations is continuing in agrarian markets throughout Georgia as well. The markets whose administrators will fully observe the special mandatory protocols of the National Food Agency will be able to resume operation.

Furthermore, the process of returning Georgian citizens from foreign countries to their homeland is also ongoing. To this end, special flights are operated from various countries in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

According to the joint decision of the governments of Georgia and the United States, 79 Georgian school pupils who were in the United States are returning to Georgia. A flight from the United States to Doha will take place today. This flight will be operated by the American side. The transportation of the 79 minors from Doha to Tbilisi will be ensured by the Government of Georgia. The Government of Georgia once again thanks to the Government of the United States of America, Georgia's strategic partner, as well as US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan for the assistance provided.

The epidemiological situation in the country, which is gradually becoming more serious, was also discussed during the session. It was noted that an increase in the number of cases of infection in the country is expected, which is why the government is once again urging citizens to strictly adhere to established regulations and to leave their homes only in case of extreme necessity.

As of today, there are 230 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Georgia, 54 of whom have already recovered. Unfortunately, three persons have died due to multiple concomitants and chronic diseases that were incompatible with life.

Persons infected with the coronavirus are receiving appropriate treatment. Currently, 4,908 persons are in quarantine and 429 persons are hospitalized under medical observation.

The Interagency Coordination Council continues to hold regular meetings via videoconferencing under the leadership of the prime minister in order to take coordinated steps.

The Parliament of Georgia, headed by Chairman Archil Talakvadze, and the Administration of the President are actively involved in the council's work.

Source: Georgian Government's Press Service 

10 April 2020 17:31