Georgia Introduces New Measures to Stop Covid-19 from Spreading

Among new restrictive measures that Georgia has put in place are a curfew and the closing of shops, swimming pools and gyms. The work of the transportation system will also be limited and all big sport or entertainment events should be canceled.

According to Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, these new measures will go into effect on November 28 and will last until January 31, 2021, the Reuters news agency reported. However, Georgian authorities have promised that from December 24 to January 3 and January 6-7 people will have an opportunity to celebrate Orthodox Christmas and New Year.

As the official noted, the curfew will cover the entire country, not just big cities. From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the movement of people and public transportation will be limited, he said.

To prevent COVID-19, all restaurants, open markets, trade centers, swimming pools, gyms and even winter resorts will be closed for two months. Hotels should also limit their work; they will play the role of temporary hospitals for those who fall sick with coronavirus. 

However, new measures will not affect commercial banks, grocery stores, pet shops and drug stores, as well as agricultural market places. People can also travel across the town using their vehicles or taxi.

As Gakharia noted, 80% of all working people will work remotely; schools and universities as well as state and private kindergartens should be closed. On top of that, all people are obliged to wear face masks.

In general, Georgia has reported about 118,690 cases with 1,124 fatalities. The number of coronavirus cases began to rise in early September.