Gov't Recommends Citizens Also Wear Face Masks Outdoors

The current epidemiological situation in Georgia and measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus were discussed at today's session of the Interagency Coordination Council, which was held at the Administration of the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

It was noted that there is an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus infection in Tbilisi, though the imposition of strict systemic restrictions is not planned. Local and pinpoint approaches will continue at the stage of adaptation and management of the virus, in line with the practice used at different locations throughout the country.

The Interagency Coordination Council calls on citizens and organizations to do their best to follow the advice of public healthcare professionals, to wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and work remotely as much as possible. The Council recommends that the elderly stay at home as much as possible, except in cases of urgent necessity. Furthermore, given that mobility in the capital is particularly high and the virus may spread more rapidly, the Council recommends that citizens wear face masks outdoors as well, as this is considered the best means of protection in the world at this stage.

The Council reviewed the course of the education process in schools and the situation in kindergartens, which resumed operation today. It was noted that the appropriate localized measures were taken immediately in both schools and kindergartens in relation to the individual cases of infection that were detected, and this approach will be maintained.

As regards the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, according to experts the situation is gradually stabilizing, though the restrictions imposed in the region remain in force at this stage. If stable figures are maintained in Adjara for the duration of the incubation period of the virus, the lifting of restrictions will begin in stages.

The Interagency Coordination Council also discussed the situation in the clinics and the course of the ongoing systemic testing process. It was noted that the healthcare system is fully mobilized and that there are sufficient resources. Furthermore, in order to strengthen clinical management, a separate group of additional reanimatologists has been set up in addition to the team led by Tengiz Tsertsvadze in order to centrally manage the health of critical patients across Georgia. As regards targeted and systemic testing, according to the Council's decision, the personnel of emergency medical services, who belong to the high-risk group, will undergo PCR testing every 72 hours.

As of today, 12,272 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus infection have been detected in Georgia, of which 6,538 persons have already recovered. Forty-one Georgian citizens have been repatriated from foreign countries for treatment. Ninety-two persons have died.

At this stage, 5,590 persons are in quarantine, 1,393 citizens are receiving treatment at COVID hotels, while 836 persons are hospitalized under medical observation.

The Parliament of Georgia, headed by Chairman Archil Talakvadze, and the Administration of the President are actively involved in the work carried out by the Interagency Coordination Council, which operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister.