Gov't Doesn't Rule Out Re-imposing Restrictions Based on Epidemiological Situation

The first phase of easing of quarantine restrictions, re-opening of the economy and the current epidemiological situation in the country, was discussed at a meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council on Coronavirus, held in the format of a video conference, chaired by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

The government's administration reports that at the meeting, it was stressed that based on the analysis of the epidemiological situation, the lifted restrictions may be re-imposed and that the timeline of each subsequent stage coming into force may be revised.

"On 27 and 28 April, as an exception, it will be permitted to enter the aforementioned big cities and to leave these cities, solely with the purpose of returning to one's actual place of residence, and not for any other purpose. I would like to emphasize that this is possible only in order to return to one's actual place of residence. At this point it should also be noted that entering or leaving these cities with the aim of returning to one's registered legal address is possible at any time, according to the regulations in force at the moment. All other restrictions in place under the state of emergency remain in force. This includes the curfew, which remains in force from 21:00 to 06:00.

"Furthermore, we would like to reiterate that based on the analysis of the epidemiological situation, it is possible that the lifted restrictions may be re-imposed, and the timeline of each subsequent stage coming into force may be revised," stated Irakli Chikovani, Advisor to the Prime Minister.

The first phase of lifting restrictions and opening the economy started today.

From 27 April, the movement of private cars and taxis, online shopping, delivery services and open agrarian markets are allowed in the country. 

In addition, as an exception, individuals may enter and exit four major cities of Georgia: Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi and Kutaisi on April 27-28, if and when they are returning to their actual places of domicile.

At the same time, the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia stressed at the meeting today that the referred restrictions have been removed throughout the country, except for the municipalities and administrative units that are placed under strict quarantine.

Targeted Socio-Economic Measures of the Anti-Crisis Plan submitted to the meeting have also been discussed. Within its scope, each line ministry will make detailed presentations during the current week. As instructed by the Head of Government of Georgia, line ministries will be presenting specific measures envisaged in their plans, which will guide the practical implementation of the Anti-Crisis Plan and targeted social allowances will be paid out to citizens of the country along with the support measures for the private sector.

Comprehensive information on when and how the targeted social allowances be paid will be provided to the general public during the current week.

Situation witnessed at healthcare facilities has been discussed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia, along with their current workload, a number of available hospital beds and preparedness of medical staff.

Control over the effectiveness and seamless nature of trainings held for healthcare professionals is actively pursued, along with the monitoring of clinics under the management of MP Dimitry Khundadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Healthcare and Social Security. The process engages majoritarian MPs and local authorities, under full coordination with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Operating Task Force.

The situation in the country in view of food and medical supplies has been reviewed also at the Inter-Agency Coordination Council Meeting. Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Georgia noted that no problem exists in terms of food supplies, as commodities are constantly replenished in an uninterrupted manner. Labor safety rules are being introduced at fruit and vegetable markets throughout the country. According to the Minister, 80 sites of this nature are registered in the country at present and the majority of them fail to comply with personal hygiene and sanitary standards for the reduced risk of infectious diseases. Therefore, such fruit and vegetable markets will not be able to continue their operation.

If they do, each site of this nature should be subjected to control of health conditions in view of traders, compliance with sanitary norms when products enter or exist the space. Proper execution of disinfection works, thermal screening and all the other requirements, which are defined in detail within the guidelines jointly developed by the National Food Agency (NFA) and healthcare professionals, remains essential.

It was noted at the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia that the repatriation of Georgian citizens continues. According to David Zalkaliani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, special flights are administered in line with recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and over 8 000 citizens of Georgia have been flown into the country, while almost 14 000 received assistance from the diplomatic missions of Georgia overseas.

The epidemic stance of the country was also discussed at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia. There are 496 confirmed cases of infection with a novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, out of which 149 individuals have recovered. Three citizens have been flown into Georgia for medical treatment. Fatalities have occurred in 6 cases.

Relevant medical treatment has been provided to infected individuals. At present 4932 individuals are placed in the quarantine, while 568 are placed under medical surveillance at healthcare facilities of the country.

Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia continues its intensive work under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Georgia in the format of video conferencing with an aim of implementing a series of coordinated actions.

Parliament of Georgia under the chairmanship of MP Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia are actively participating in the work of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council.    

By Ana Dumbadze 

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