Inter-Agency Coordination Council warns lifted restrictions may be reimposed based on epidemic situation in country

Phase One measures of easing the imposed restrictions and re-opening of the economy, as well as the epidemic situation of the country have been discussed at the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia.

At the meeting, held in the format of the online conference, the members of the Council underlined that analysis of the epidemic situation in the country may lead to a reintroduction of lifted restrictions and timeline of measures under all the other stages may get revisited. Hence, it is essential that everyone complies with rules and security norms set by the Ministry of Health of Georgia: use of facemasks and social distancing.

In line with a plan developed by the Government of Georgia, first phase of reduced restrictions and re-opening of the economy started today. It implies free mobility with private passenger vehicles and taxis.

All types of online trade - both wholesale and retail - are permitted from today. Also, delivery service of any commodity is fully allowed from today and open-air fruit and vegetable markets also resume operation.

Compliance with rules set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant institutions is compulsory in any case and violations will lead to the suspension of operation.

In addition, it was stressed at the Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia that all other restrictions set under the State of Emergency remain valid, including the Curfew from 21:00 to 06:00.

Besides, entry to and exit from Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi and Kutaisi remain prohibited during the State of Emergency. However, today and tomorrow, i.e. on April 27 and 28, 2020, it is permitted to enter and exit the mentioned cities as an exceptional measure solely for returning to the actual residence. As for the registered place of domicile, citizens of the country will be able to get home at any time.

At the same time, 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 a 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, 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. Process engages majoritarian MPs and local authorities, under a full coordination with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Operating Task Force.

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 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 a control of health condition 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 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.

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 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.