2020-09-02
We have 38 new cases, possibly a record-breaker, with 22 cases identified in one facility in Batumi. In fact, events are unfolding as predicted, with, infection statistics growing alongside increased mobility, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated during today's meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council.
The Head of Government emphasized the key goal today is to manage this process with minimal risks.
"Importantly, a new academic year is around the corner, and that will further increase mobility, especially in big cities. The Health Ministry, the Interior Ministry, municipalities, epidemiologists, and the Ministry of Education must be fully mobilized in order to manage this process with minimal risks. Sadly, facemasks, social distancing, and other additions to our everyday routine have been neglected by our population over time, which is why we must take strong awareness-raising steps and inform each citizen that it all makes up our responsibility to our fellow compatriots. Social distancing indoors is an unfortunate necessity and part of our daily lives, so that we may be able to be as effective as before in managing the epidemic and enabling the economy to recover.
It is all very important, and not a joke. We must take it seriously, and we must appreciate our responsibility to others, firstly to children and senior citizens," the Prime Minister stated.
According to Giorgi Gakharia, even though the situation in Batumi, compared to the rest of Georgia, has worsened, no special quarantine measures are considered for Batumi, and Batumi's lockdown is not up for discussion.
"Even though the epidemiological situation in Batumi, compared to the rest of Georgia, has worsened, no special quarantine measures are considered for Batumi, and Batumi's lockdown is not up for discussion," the Prime Minister added.
According to him, Batumi presently has a high concentration of vacationers, which calls for extra caution and intensified testing on Boulevard and other locations.
"As you know, 22 cases of those identified today are linked to a diner. Batumi presently has a high concentration of vacationers, which calls for extra caution and intensified testing on Boulevard and other locations," Giorgi Gakharia emphasized.
As the Head of Government pointed out during today's meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council, all restrictions will be lifted in Mestia-Lenjeri today.
"Even though the situation in Batumi has somewhat worsened, we have succeeded in managing the epidemiological situation in Mestia-Lenjeri, so all restrictions there will be lifted today, which is due to the current epidemiological situation. Now we must prevent the situation in Batumi from worsening further and spreading to other cities where vacationers are returning," Giorgi Gakharia said.
Also, although 38 new cases have been identified today, putting off the learning process is out of the question.
According to Gakharia, the process of education must start on September 15, and the Ministries of Education and Health must be fully mobilized.
"Even though we have 38 new cases, putting off the learning process is out of the question, of course. The school process must start on December 15. And the Ministries of Education and Health must be fully mobilized. Our responsibility is big in ensuring against any risks disputing the learning process, and necessary measures must observed in schools to that end," Giorgi Gakharia said.
The Prime Minister urged relevant agencies to tighten up safety measures.
"I urge the Tbilisi Mayor to toughen up norms in public transport and retail facilities, and to introduce stricter approaches, because vacationers are returning to the city in September to resume their everyday lives and work, so we all must get used to such restrictions and discomfort for a while," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that 857,000 applications for 200-GEL compensations for children under 18 have been filed so far, and compensation issuance has started today.
"In light of the upcoming academic year, we continue providing our citizens-especially children-with social assistance. 857,000 applications for 200-GEL compensations for children under 18 have been filed so far, and compensation issuance has started today," Giorgi Gakharia said.
According to him, the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance are instructed to finalize the process of transferring social assistance to the bank accounts of citizens with one week.
The Head of Government also reiterated that the registration deadline has been extended until December 1, and compensations on new applications will be issued gradually, in the nearest future.
"Relevant institutions-the Ministries of Health and Finance-are instructed to finalize the process of transferring social assistance to the bank accounts of citizens with one week because, besides the economic factor, it is also important for our citizens to receive this assistance before the beginning of the academic year. Registration will continue until December 1, and compensations will be issued in the nearest future, meaning that newborns included will enjoy this compensation by December 1," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
Press Service of the Government Administration