Gov't Decides Not to Lock Gardabani, Tighten Control at Markets & Fairs

Inter-Agency Coordination Council has ruled to carry out active thermal screening and intensive epidemic surveillance of local residents in Gardabani Municipality, thereby frightening control over the enforcement of regulations at markets and fairs. Citizens will have fever tests when entering and exiting Gardabani and those villages of the municipality, where the cases of infection have been identified. If and when suspicious symptoms get detected, additional tests will be performed. Besides, the thermal screening will become more intensive at markets and fairs.

It was noted at the council meeting that 10 new cases have been identified within the past 24 hours, thus representing a sharp increase of infection indicators. At the same time, the situation is complicated by the fact that the source of spread is not clear in 7 cases in total. By taking into account this factor, Inter-Agency Coordination Council once again urges the population of the country to adhere to the recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health to minimize the risk of spread and inter alia wear face masks in closed spaces, along with practicing social distancing.

In addition, the Inter-Agency Coordination Council took a decision today to allow for spectator presence at sports events held at open-air stadiums. This initiative was made by Levan Kobiashvili, President of the Football Federation to the Inter-Agency Coordination Council. Spectator presence will be allowed at open-air stadiums in line with rules and protocols defined by the Ministry of Health, which will be released in the nearest future. Also, the number of spectators allowed to sports events will also be defined per gamefield and stadium.

Also by the decision of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council, it is now allowed to hold any social and celebratory rituals or other types of events (including wedding parties, jubilees, funerals, etc.) in the open air. The maximum number of people admitted to such events has been recommended to be 100. It is also worth noting that arts and culture events may be organized in the open air by adhering to the protocols defined by the Ministry of Health, while rehearsals may be held indoors.

The council continues to observe the current epidemic trends and will be gradually making decisions on the re-opening of other activities.

In addition, the Coordination Council has discussed the significance of additional job creation in the agriculture sector of the country and its various regions on the background of the global crisis. As noted by Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, programs supported by the state and sectoral development initiatives create new employment opportunities. Currently, Kakheti region is particularly notable in this regard as it will soon experience an intensive need of harvesting and cold-storing various crops. Similar needs will be witnessed in other regions as well at hazelnut picking season. Hence, our citizens who used to get seasonal jobs in neighboring countries will have an opportunity to get employed in Georgia during the high season.

In addition, the Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Health continues to inspect already re-opened enterprises. It was noted at the meeting today that control measures will be intensified at markets and fairs.

Also, the Inter-Agency Coordination Council has ruled to continue with air flights to let the citizens of Georgia return home in July. Airfare will not exceed 200 Euros. Wizz Air and Myway Airlines will deliver passengers from Paris on July 22 and Athens on July 28. Also, Tbilisi-Berlin-Tbilisi flight will be performed in the nearest future by responding to the need expressed by students willing to get engaged in short-term employment programs in Germany. Airfare will be affordable in this case as well.

Negotiations of the Government of Georgia with Air France have been concluded successfully and it will perform flights from August. Tbilisi-Paris-Tbilisi flights will be performed 2 times a week. All types of procedures have been completed with Lufthansa on the resumption of regular flights, which will fly Tbilisi-Munich-Tbilisi from August. At this point in time, negotiations on regular flights are underway with Air Baltic.

As for the current epidemic situation in the country, 1049 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection are identified in Georgia as of today, out of which 903 individuals have recovered. 41 citizens of the country have been flown for medical treatment from overseas. 16 contracted individuals have died.

At this stage 5692 individuals are quarantined, while 275 individuals are placed under hospital supervision.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia actively engages the Parliament of Georgia chaired by Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia.

Related Story: Extended COVID Testing Underway in Gardabani Municipality