Gov't Specifies Closed Spaces where Wearing Face Masks will be Mandatory

The government of Georgia has established a rule for wearing face masks. 

Certain groups of people will be exempted from the above rule due to their age and health status.

Wearing a face mask will be mandatory in the following closed spaces:

• Receptions of public and private institutions;
• Meetings held in public and private institutions where it is impossible to maintain a 2-meter social distance;
• Common use elevators;
• Trade facilities;
• Beauty salons and aesthetic medicine centers;
• General education, vocational and higher education institutions;
• Public transport and taxis;
• In workplaces, during the economic activities performed in accordance with the recommendations issued by the Minister of Health, in order to avoid the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.

The following groups have no obligation to wear a face mask: 

• Children under the age of 6;
• People who are unable to wear a face mask due to a health condition, for example, persons with disabilities and those who have respiratory problems;
• Staff in a specialized institution, when providing specific rehabilitation services to the relevant target group;
• Speakers at meetings, if they are able to maintain a 2-meter social distance.

The penalties for violating the new mask regulations include a fine of GEL 20 for persons who fail to wear a mask in the above-mentioned spaces and GEL 500 for legal entities who let people in a closed space without a face mask.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Coronavirus: Georgia Tightens Face Mask Rules