The Prime Minister of Georgia declares quarantine throughout the country

By Khatia Bzhalava

Tuesday, March 31

Coronavirus cases in Georgia with an unidentifiable original source has reached 3.

“We will do everything we are capable of to stabilize the situation for Easter.” Says the Prime Minister

In the briefing held on March 30th, Giorgi Gakharia, the Prime Minister of Georgia declared a quarantine would come into force from 8am, March 31st and a curfew from 9pm, until 6am. Throughout the quarantine, it is also prohibited for any kind of transport to operate, anyone over the age of 70 are also restricted to leave the house except to local grocery stores, pharmacies or nearest medical institutions.

”Our only tool and it is our duty to not be latto be effective and successful in fighting against the virus.. We have decided to tighten the restrictions and in fact, we declare quarantine. Only using cars (including taxis) is permissible if recommendations of the Ministry Of Labor Health And Social Affairs are considered,” said Gakharia.

Gakharia informs that gatherings of more than 3 people are prohibited, but the restriction does not refer to grocery stores and pharmacies, where social distancing must be observed. He also states that factories will continue working and if there is any necessity, a special protocol will be developed.

The Prime Minister stated that out of the new Coronavirus cases, 3 have not identified the source of infection.

“With the latest details, we have 100 coronavirus cases. Even though 18 of them have recovered, the dynamic of the increase in numbers is disturbing. We have 3 cases without any detection of the original source. When there was a single similar case of infection in Marneuli, Bolnisi and Marneuli were declared as quarantine zones. Apart from this, we have also had one case, when an employee of the medical sector was infected, so we feel the responsibility to tighten safety measurements,” says Gakharia.

The PM expresses grief for the loss of the partner countries of Georgia and sympathises with them ,saying that ‘we are all in the same boat in this global fight.’

“We should not let ourselves relax just because we are coping with the situation and it is our duty to share the tautness of the condition of European countries.”

Gakharia also mentioned the Easter celebration and explained that the government is working hard to stabilise the situation until the celebration, but according to the situation, nothing is certain.