Govt tightens restrictions ahead of Easter holiday
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, April 27
Regarding the upcoming Easter holiday, which is marked on May 2 this year, the government has imposed several restrictions. Per the Inter-Agency Coordination Council’s decision, municipal transport will be banned nationwide during May 3-12, and visits to cemeteries will be restricted. The government has announced the 4-11 May holidays, aiming to limit mobility.
The curfew will not be lifted even during the Easter Holiday, however, the restriction on movement will be eased for only one night as an exception in connection with the Easter Liturgy. Particularly, movement restrictions will be in force from 11 pm on May 1 till 4 am on May 2. celebratory Easter liturgy will be held at churches in full compliance with epidemic safety norms, including the sound system provided in the churches, social distancing, and wearing facemasks.
The Inter-Agency Coordination Council has decided to restrict visits to cemeteries to avoid gatherings there. Thus, roads leading to cemeteries will be blocked on the upcoming public holidays.
Georgia reported 521 coronavirus cases, 1,058 recoveries, and 18 deaths yesterday. The total of cases reached 304,272, among them, 287,029 people recovered and 4,043 died. The daily test-positivity rate stands at 4,64%, while 4.03% in the past 14 days.
It was noted at the coordination council meeting yesterday that the system is ready even for the worst scenario, the epidemiological situation is manageable and under control.
In accordance with the National Vaccination Plan, the vaccination process will continue actively. For World Immunization Week, members of the Government of Georgia and the Parliament will get involved in the vaccination process.
As of Monday, 38,553 people got the vaccine, among them, 21,910 people got vaccinated with AstraZeneca, while 13,756 people got the Pfizer shot. 2,887 individuals have already got two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The Head of the National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health, Amiran Gamkrelidze announced yesterday that the vaccination pace needs to accelerate in Georgia. He also mentioned the Indian coronavirus strain and stressed that the government has imposed appropriate restrictive measures. Indian strain has not been detected in Georgia yet.
