Obligatory quarantine to abolish for Georgians with PCR test at the border
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, December 3
On December 2nd, Georgia reported 4033 new coronavirus cases, 4061 recoveries, and 39 deaths. The Inter-Agency Coordination Council has decided to alter the procedures of entry to the country for the citizens of Georgia. The government and an epidemiological group are working with the COVAX platform to receive the Coronavirus vaccine in the early spring of 2021.
Out of 4033 confirmed cases yesterday, 1705 cases were reported in Tbilisi, Adjara - 402, Imereti - 624, Kvemo Kartli - 286, Shida Kartli - 281, Guria - 84, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - 273, Kaxeti - 239, Mtskheta-Mtianeti - 62, Samtskhe-Javakheti – 68, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo-Svaneti – 9.
Within the scope of two-month-long COVID-related restrictions, from yesterday for two months, the government is activating an intensive testing program countrywide. The state ensures 20 000 coronavirus tests daily. Large-scale testing will continue till February 1, 2020. At the same time application of antigen-based tests will extend significantly.
According to the coordination council’s decision, the procedures of entry to the country for the citizens of Georgia will alter. In particular, citizens who arrive with a negative result of PCR test obtained within the past 72 hours, will have to self-isolate for 8 days. As for the citizens who arrive without a negative PCR test, they will no longer be obliged to stay in quarantine and will get self-isolated for 12 days. Citizens with no means of self-isolation will be provided with accommodation in quarantine hotels by the state.
Yesterday at the briefing, after the meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council, the Head of the NCDC Amiran Gamkrelidze stated that active work is underway with the COVAX platform regarding vaccination. There are multiple candidate vaccines and 172 countries engaged in the platform, including Georgia. According to Gamkrelidze, Georgia has already made a contribution of $4 million under the condition that the state will be able to choose a preferable vaccine. Under the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia, epidemiologists are also involved in negotiations with individual pharmaceutical companies with an engagement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia.
According to the Ministry of Health of Georgia Ekaterine Tikaradze, currently, there are 611 beds available for coronavirus treatments in Georgia. The Minister noted at the briefing that the process of mobilizing additional beds is being carried out.
At the PM’s instruction, control on enforcement of COVID restrictions imposed under the 2-Month-Long Plan will become tighter, including wearing a mask and a restriction on mobility.
Due to the worsening of an epidemiological situation, the Georgian government has introduced further coronavirus regulations in the country. According to the restrictions, which took effect on November 28, the movement has been restricted both in terms of walking and driving from 21:00 to 05:00. Restaurants and other food facilities are only operating with takeaway services. Fitness clubs, swimming pools have closed down for two months. Regular intercity transport - railway, bus, minibus have been banned, the restriction does not apply to taxis and cars.
