State of Emergency to Be Declared in Georgia

A state of emergency will be declared in Georgia, announced Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia at a specially convened press conference. The state of emergency is related to efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus and will last until April 21.

Regarding the declaration of a state of emergency, the Prime Minister has already appealed to President Salome Zourabichvili. The issue has been submitted for a vote in Parliament.

It is noteworthy that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia has reached 47. To date, the government has implemented several restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, including a ban on the entry of all foreign nationals into Georgia for two weeks starting March 18, with all borders closed.

Educational institutions in Georgia are operating remotely, and almost all facilities are closed except for state services, banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. Parliament has decided to work online with the media, and the issue of online activity for the parliament is also under discussion.

The operation of minibuses has been prohibited, along with the functioning of gyms. The government urges individuals, especially those over 60, to self-isolate and avoid crowded places.