In parallel with the re-opening of economy and on the background of increased epidemic risks, Inter-Agency Coordination Council, led by Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, tightens the operating management of the situation.

The meeting held today in the format of a video conference, was focused on the review of the current epidemic situation in the country. Georgia has detected 9 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the past 24 hours, out of which one is not traceable to the source. Currently the country has 5 cases of untraceable source in total, which significantly increases risks and a need of being extra cautious.

It was once again stressed at the meeting today that restrictions are lifted and the economy – resumed without any ground to ease the effort, but on the contrary – to jointly synergize the respective institutions and citizens of the country. The Inter-Agency Coordination Council of the Government of Georgia once again urges the population to be particularly cautious and firmly adhere to all the instructions that are necessary to protect their health and prevent a massive spread of COVID-19.

Inter-Agency Coordination Council Members reviewed the risk management mechanisms in the conditions of an increased mobility. Council has thus ruled to tighten the control over the compliance with pre-defined rules and standards for places of public gathering, including restaurants, recreation areas and public transport. If and when violations are identified, penalties promulgated in the law will be levied. On the background of the epidemic risks, greater importance is acquired by the timely detection of cases and treatment of patients.

Hence, respective institutions are working on the extension of testing as instructed by the Prime Minister of Georgia. Government Resolution will soon define a circle of people, who will be required to pass the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a periodic basis. Lab tests requirement is intended to apply to people who will call 112 or family doctor as soon as they get fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and other respiratory symptoms. At the same time, recommendation remains valid for remote work of people who are employed in civil service.

At present, a strict quarantine regime remains valid in two villages of Bolnisi Municipality – Mushevani and Geta, which are subject to additional resolution of the Inter-Agency Council of the Government of Georgia that will be issued on the grounds of the epidemic situation on the spot.