89 cases over last 2 days, Georgia reintroduces restrictions
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, September 10
The cases of Covid-19 have risen by 45 and 44 in the previous two days, resulting in the government reintroducing restrictions as the number of active cases surpassed 400, the highest since the start of the COVID pandemic in February.
The Government reintroduced the ban on large-scale social gatherings, allowing only 10 people to participate in indoor events. Previously applied to indoor areas, the restrictions will now be extended to outdoor areas as well. Cultural and sports events involving over 200 attendants are also banned.
As Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced, events related to the Tbilisoba holiday will not be held this year.
The reopening of cinemas and theaters, previously scheduled to take place during September 15th and the beginning of October, respectively, will be postponed until November 1st.
According to the Government Administration, the new restrictions will not apply to election campaign events.
Amiran Gamkrelidze, the head of the National Center for Disease Control, announced that the policy of lockdown all over the world, including Georgia, is no longer on the agenda except in special cases. According to him, the management of the infection is carried out by the so-called balanced policy. He said that an increase in coronavirus cases was expected in the summer, especially in Adjara, where basic recommendations were not met. He stated Adjara remains as the most active zone for the virus at the moment, with the source of infection of 10 cases still unknown. As Gamkrelidze noted, starting studies will increase mobility and it is necessary to have good sanitary conditions in all schools.
Healthcare Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze announced that COVID-19 patients between the ages of 18 and 65, with mild symptoms and without any chronic diseases, will be treated at hotels in Georgia’s three largest cities, Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.
Yesterday, it was confirmed that MP Levan Gogichaishvili was infected with the virus. Parliament states that all persons who had contact with him after September 5th will be self-isolated and tested, and all persons entering the building will undergo thermal control.
