2020-09-07
Physical classroom and auditorium learning in Batumi and Kobuleti is put off until October 1. Remote learning will resume on September 15. Also, effective September 15, citizens and residents of the countries enjoying the reciprocity mechanism with Georgia will be required, upon entry into Georgia, to produce negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours. On September 15, the mandatory quarantine duration will be reduced from 12 to 8 days, which means that quarantined citizens with negative PCR results will be able to leave relevant facilities on day 9, though they will be obligated to do a follow-up PCR test on day 12. Stricter control will be imposed on indoor social events and rituals like wedding or memorial receptions, and others-these decisions were made at today's meeting of the Interagency Coordination Council led by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
The council's latest decisions were discussed by the Head of Government at a briefing. According to the Prime Minister, given the active domestic tourism season in Batumi, mobility has been very high, which is why we have been expecting an increase in infection cases. Also, the new academic year will further increase mobility. Consequently, schoolchildren and students in Kobuleti and Batumi will resume physical classroom studies on October 1; until then, remote learning will be conducted.
"Given the active domestic tourism season in Batumi, mobility has been very high, which is why we have been expecting an increase in infection cases, and everything is ready for that in Batumi and elsewhere in the country. Importantly, we must maintain control over epidemiological and virus-related management. However, given that the new academic year will further increase mobility, we have made specific decisions today," Giorgi Gakharia said.
According to the Prime Minister, as of today, 34 new infection cases have been identified in the country, with the sources of 32 identified and 20 recorded in Batumi. Consequently, in light of the epidemiological situation, the Coordination Council, previously meeting only once a week, will convene twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
In addition, citizens and residents of the countries enjoying the reciprocity mechanism with Georgia will be required, upon entry into Georgia, to produce negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours.
The Head of Government emphasized that this measure is necessary to protect the health of the country's citizens and guests and to boost the effectiveness of virus management.
"It is necessary for us, together with our colleagues and partners, to ensure the health of our citizens and visitors and to improve our effectiveness in handling the spread of the virus. I repeat that it applies to the countries enjoying the reciprocity mechanisms without any restrictions. We will start imposing this requirement on September 15, to ensure against any discomfort to those who have already purchased tickets," the Prime Minister stated.
As for mandatory quarantine, effective September 15, its duration will be reduced from 12 to 8 days, which means that quarantined citizens with negative PCR results will be able to leave relevant facilities on day 9, though they will be obligated to do a follow-up PCR test on day 12.
"This way, we are decreasing the number of mandatory quarantine days, enabling our citizens to return to their families and social life as fast as possible and, more importantly, as healthy as possible," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
"The Region of Adjara is a perfect example where, over the past few months, several large wedding receptions have been held, and virus has been transmitted at several such social gatherings, which is why much tougher control over indoor social events will be introduced throughout the country. That applies to indoors, while relatively moderate restrictions will apply indoors," the Prime Minister emphasized.
According to the Head of Government, the decisions made by the council so far suffice to further the effectiveness of virus management.
"Our main task is to be effective in managing the spread of the virus. Georgia cannot defeat the global pandemic on its own. We must ensure effective management and prepare our healthcare system to be able to conduct PCR tests in necessary numbers. Importantly, I reassure everyone that the situation is fully under control, and although we have opened many economic sectors, and we are about to start the new academic year throughout the country-and we will have an increase in infection cases-no risks will threaten the health of our citizens. We will see to that," Giorgi Gakharia underlined.
After these statements, the Head of Government answered journalists' questions. In response to a question about Batumi's possible lockdown, the Prime Minister said that this issue is out of the question.
In response to a question about the treatment of asymptomatic patients in quarantine zones, Giorgi Gakharia said that the treatment of milder cases and asymptomatic patients under medical supervision in three cities: Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi may continue in various facilities, including hotels.
According to the Head of Government, all of the above is implemented based on the protocols developed by the clinical group led by Tengiz Tsertsvadze.
"It is very possible, and that is our plan. As you know, we have a clinical group led by Tengiz Tsertsvadze. We asked them to develop protocols that will guide this process," the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister also answered questions about the upcoming elections amid the pandemic. He emphasized that all election-relate protocols are in place and coordinated with the Central Election Commission, international observers, and our partners alike.
"No problem or obstacle will threaten the political process, especially voting. Everything will take place on the set date and fully in line with high democratic standards," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
In response to a question about a possible return of Mikheil Saakashvili to Georgia, the Head of Government underlined that there is nobody and nothing that can obstruct the country's stability and normal electoral process.
""I repeat, let him come! There is nobody and nothing that can obstruct the country's stability or jeopardize normal, peaceful elections," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
The Prime Minister also answered a question about the rationale behind reducing the 12-day mandatory quarantine to 8 days. According to him, the latest studies reveal that the infectious power of the virus drops significantly on day 8, which allows for testing on that day, and with negative results in place, for a discharge from a quarantine zone. To be on the safe side, however, a follow-up test must be performed on day 12.
Press Service of the Government Administration