The deteriorating epidemiological situation in Bolnisi Municipality was discussed at the session of the Interagency Coordination Council, which was held via video conferencing and chaired by Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia.

According to the PM’s Office, due to the 17 new cases of coronavirus infection during the past 24 hours in the villages of Bolnisi Municipality, the council has decided to tighten measures and impose strict quarantine on the village of Geta, along with the village of Mushevani, where a similar regime was already in place.

Specialists from the National Center for Disease Control and public healthcare experts began carrying out additional medical activities on the ground, including intensive testing and thermal screening of the population.

The Prime Minister instructed law enforcement officials to everything to ensure the enforcement of the strict quarantine restrictions in Mushevani and Geta in order to avoid possible complications.

The epidemiological situation in the country was also discussed during the session. As of today, there are 671 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Georgia, 393 of whom have already recovered. Three Georgian citizens have been repatriated from foreign countries for treatment. Twelve persons have died.

Currently, 3,873 persons are in quarantine and 404 persons are hospitalized under medical observation.

Council members also discussed the process of opening the economy stage by stage, as well as the next steps to be taken in terms of lifting the restrictions. As it is known, the Government of Georgia has made the decision to open beauty salons and aesthetic medical centers and to lift the restriction on the gathering of more than three people in open or enclosed spaces from the 18th of May. Despite the restriction on the gathering of more than three people being lifted, the restriction prohibiting the gathering of more than 10 people remains in force.

Furthermore, the restriction on the movement of vehicles also remains in force. Namely, the transportation of more than three people (including the driver) by car is prohibited. Passengers must occupy the rear seats of the car.

It was reiterated during the session that in parallel with the easing of restrictions, citizens must follow the recommendations issued by healthcare specialists in order to prevent the deterioration of the epidemiological situation and to avoid the necessity of re-imposing the restrictions that have been lifted.

The Interagency Coordination Council continues to hold regular meetings under the leadership of the prime minister in order to take coordinated steps. The Parliament of Georgia, headed by Chairman Archil Talakvadze, and the Administration of the President are actively involved in the council's work.

source: IPN