2021-07-20
Unless our citizens stand by the Government, the way they did last year since the start of the pandemic, we cannot do anything alone. We did everything that had to be done-vaccines are here, more vaccines than necessary, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated during today's Cabinet meeting.
Irakli Garibashvili emphasized that the country cannot pull through another lockdown.
"A million and a half vaccine doses have arrived, and just as many on their way to arrive here in a matter of weeks. Vaccination is vitally important, firstly to protect the lives and health of our citizens, our friends, loved ones, and parents and children. Secondly, to keep our economy alive. Our country cannot pull through another lockdown. If we are forced to resort to lockdown again, people will lose jobs, and it will be unbearable. I want to make precautionary statements, and I do not want it to happen. Next, the country will be forced to obtain an additional loan, a heavy burden on the shoulders of our citizens and country, something that will make things extremely difficult. Consequently, I reiterate that we have every resource and means to carry out vaccination at full throttle-we can vaccinate 1.5 million citizens in just 2-3 months. And that is our task," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government urged the population to engage in vaccination, adding that the Government has imported more vaccines than necessary.
"Almost everything in the country has reopened, up and running. Rapid economic revival and revitalization has begun. Our citizens have returned to their jobs. In Batumi, for example, I saw yesterday that every establishment, restaurant, and café/bar was packed full of our citizens and tourists alike. Tourists are flocking to Batumi and our other destinations, the reason why I am asking our dear citizens: All this will go to waste if we are forced to reintroduce lockdown. I hate repeating this word, lockdown. We have lifted all restrictions, including outdoor facemask use, because it seemed unbearable to wear a mask in this heat. But that, of course, must be a personal decision. Those who wish can wear masks outdoors. But we said that facemasks should be mandatory indoors, at bus stops, on transport. Another issue is a curfew. We lifted movement restrictions, and now our citizens enjoy free movement at night. Vaccines used to pose a problem, but we imported more than necessary. Let me remind you that a million vaccines were delivered 2 weeks ago. The process of importing a million doses of Pfizer has already begun, to continue every weekend. The American Government is also planning to donate vaccines in the nearest future. Yesterday, we received an additional 500,000 Chinese Sinovac vaccines, to make it 1.5 doses already in place. And the biggest argument for our citizens is that the likelihood of infection is very low, and fatality is virtually nonexistent, among those vaccinated. There may be but few deaths among the vaccinated around the world. This is the only practical means to protect the health and lives of our citizens, our family members, our children, explaining why I once again ask our citizens to become actively involved in vaccination. Yesterday, we administered 11,000 doses, which is not enough. Unless we reach 20,000-30,000 vaccinations a day, dear friends, we will find it hard to manage this process. Today, we have 2,600 infection cases. And that is extremely alarming. I once again warn our citizens that it is a very dangerous trend. On one hand, we want to keep high economic growth rates, progress, and welfare of our citizens. We want everyone to be happy. On the other, the Government has one simple request. Please get vaccinated! I think it is very easy to do," Irakli Garibashvili said.
The Head of Government also spoke about the Government's plans to lift restrictions, pointing out that the Government's measures yielded concrete results when unprecedentedly high economic growth was achieved.
"When we, a few months ago, decided to lift restrictions, we were guided solely by the interests of our people. Our actions brought about concrete results reflected in April's unprecedented, 45% economic growth, a truly unprecedented event not only in the region, but one may say in all of Europe. In the same vein, our economic growth in May was quite high as well, within 25%. According to preliminary statistics, June will be just as successful, between 15% and 18%. Ultimately, it follows that, in the first 6 months, our economy will grow by about 12%. That, of course, has enabled us to mobilize additional budget resources, the reason why the Finance Minister prepared relevant amendments and presented an amended budget to Parliament," the Head of Government emphasized.
During the Cabinet meeting, the prime Minister also discussed the recent international conference in Batumi which he commended as highly successful, with numerous important issues considered. The Head of Government thanked President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova.
"Once again, I would like to comment on yesterday's conference in Batumi. I avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate our Government's gratitude to President of the European Council Charles Michel, Ukrainian President, Mr. Zelensky, and Moldovan President, Ms. Sandu.
It has been a successful conference. We discussed very important issues concerning the prospects and aspirations shared by our three countries. In particular, our EU-related aspirations, protection of shared values, and our unity around it. I believe it was a very successful visit from our friend states, and I thank them once again," Irakli Garibashvili said.
The Head of Government also commented on the International Monetary Fund's projections on Georgia's economic growth, stating in particular that, according to the International Monetary Fund's projections, Georgia's economic growth is 7.7% -and everything must be done to keep this positive pace.
"I want to comment on the International Monetary Fund's decision agreeing with our projection that, this year, our country's economic growth will be 7.7%, as opposed to 3.5% previously. The latest corrected projection increases it to 7.7%. Consequently, we must do everything to keep this strong, positive pace, which is why I once again ask our citizens to engage in the process of vaccination," Irakli Garibashvili said.
Press Service of the Government Administration