Coordination Council Discusses Measures Taken to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

The epidemiological situation in Georgia and the measures taken during the previous 24 hours were discussed at Wednesday's session of the Interagency Coordination Council, which was held via video conferencing and chaired by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

From Wednesday, wearing face masks became mandatory outdoors as well as in, and restaurants throughout Georgia can remain open only until 22:00. Additionally, based on the decision of the Council, the education process will continue remotely in schools located in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Telavi, Zugdidi, Zestaponi, Gori, Poti, Marneuli, and Gardabani until 25 November.

Based on the decision of the Tbilisi Municipality, municipal kindergartens will be temporarily closed starting Thursday due to the epidemiological situation; however, as before, kindergarteners will continue to be provided with food. This decision will not apply to private kindergartens or kindergartens operating in other areas of Georgia, which will continue to operate as usual at this stage. The Interagency Coordination Council said it will make decisions in accordance with the approach of pinpoint, local restrictions, on the basis of the epidemiological situation in specific municipalities.

Council members discussed the growing pattern of the global number of people infected with coronavirus, as well as the situation in clinics and the operation of the primary level of healthcare. It was noted that the Ministry of Healthcare is constantly working to mobilize additional beds in clinics, as necessary. The Ministry was instructed during the session to enhance the medical component in COVID hotels where mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment. Family doctors of insurance companies are also involved in the process of managing the treatment of patients with mild cases of infection who are undergoing treatment at home. The Central Online Clinic, which systematically monitors patients who are being treated at home, as well as those who are self-isolating together, is also operational; if a patient's condition worsens, the Clinic ensures that the appropriate steps are taken in response.

As of today, 46,817 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus infection have been detected in Georgia, of which 31,170 people have already recovered. 381 people have died.

At this stage, 3,004 people are in quarantine, 2,428 citizens are receiving treatment at COVID hotels, while 4,355 people are hospitalized under medical observation.

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