Epidemic situation and precision-targeted restrictions enforced in the country by taking into consideration the fast track of the community transfer rate were discussed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council at its regular meeting held and led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia today in the format of a video conference.

Members of the Council discussed the globally growing trend of COVID infection, which has already exceeded 51 million people and is a current record-high indicator. It was noted that irrespective of the increasing number of the COVID infection, the country is maintaining a strategy of targeted and local approaches and no systemic restrictions are intended.

Discussions were also related to the enforcement of the targeted restrictions, which came into force on November 9, 2020. They include a restriction on mobility of people in large cities of Georgia: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, Zugdidi, Gori and Poti from 22:00 to 05:00 both in terms of walking and driving. Every organization may operate till 22:00, except for healthcare facilities and pharmacies or institutions of strategic significance, which stay open round the clock. Municipal and private kindergartens have suspended operations in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, Zugdidi, Gori and Poti. In addition, Council has set specific measures which are currently executed for the reduction of passengers in municipal transport of the referred cities. Traffic is not limited during the day. Restriction on the mobility from 22:00 to 05:00 does not apply to international forwarding of cargo, mobility of individuals and vehicles deemed essential for their official duties and cleared with the Task Force. These include staff of healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities of strategic significance, media outlets and food delivery staff.

By taking into account the current epidemic situation in the country, Inter-Agency Coordination Council will revisit the package of precision-targeted restrictions to further reduce the community transmission rate in a more efficient and effective manner.

Council once again stressed the importance of adherence to the established rules, including the wearing of facemasks and distancing during the political process as well, which leads to the prevention of a viral spread and avoidance of additional restrictions.

Council members spoke about the measures that are implemented by the Ministry of Health under the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the avoidance of an overburdened hospital sector. It was once again mentioned that it is essential to hospitalize only the acute patients to make sure that the system does not get overwhelmed and individuals with special healthcare needs are not left without medical care in the first instance. Light patients continue treatment at home with active communication with their family doctors, while infected individuals who cannot self-isolate are taken to COVID Hotels which render intensified elements of therapy treatment with permanent medical supervision of the infected individuals.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia actively engages the Parliament of Georgia chaired by MP Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia.