Epidemic outcome of COVID restrictions imposed within the scope of a 2-Month-Long Plan, performance of the Intensive Testing Program and preparation for the vaccination process were discussed today by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister.

It was noted at the meeting that almost 20 000 tests are administered a day within the scope of an Intensive Testing Program, which will be continued this week as well. Analysis of the previous week gives us grounds for cautious optimism, as the test-positive indicator of the viral infection has declined to almost 22-23%. Epidemiologists particularly stressed the role of current restrictions in the relative stabilization of the epidemic stance and noted that it is essential to demonstrate particular caution and avoid a sharp increase of mobility so that achieved results are not jeopardized. Inter-Agency Coordination Council analyses in detail the current epidemic situation witnessed in the country, impact of the imposed restrictions, quality of their enforcement and economic interests of the country for balanced decision-making.

It was once again noted that effective enforcement of the imposed restrictions is required, along with all the recommendations that need to be adhered. They include the social distancing and uniform wearing of face masks. Specialists believe that even within the current COVID restrictions, special importance is acquired by facemasks for the stability of the situation and reduction of the community transfer rate. This indicator (i.e. uniform wearing of face masks) needs to increase from 65% to 90-95%, which coupled with current restrictions, will lead to a clear improvement of the epidemic situation in the country.

In terms of COVID restrictions imposed within the scope of a 2-Month-Long Plan of the Government of Georgia, enforcement results have been presented in detail by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of Labor Inspection Department under the Ministry of Health to the Inter-Agency Coordination Council. Namely, 878 cases of violations have been detected through monitoring carried out nation-wide by the law-enforcement bodies within the last 24 hours. Police have penalized 85 individuals for breaching the rules of isolation and/or quarantine, out of which some violated the mobility ban from 21:00 to 05:00. In addition, 793 individuals were fined within the last 24 hours for not wearing facemasks.

Out of 382 facilities overseen through a joint effort of the Labor Inspection Department of the Ministry of Health, Inland Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance, National Food Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and Municipal Surveillance Services within the last 48 hours, initial inspection covered 340 facilities, out of which verbal warnings were given to 268 facility owners. 42 facilities were re-inspected, out of which 32 were compliant, while 7 were again found in breach. 3 facilities were penalized for violating the rules of isolation and quarantine.

Steps made by the Specialized Task Force established with the instructions of the Prime Minister for the uninterrupted flow of COVID vaccination process in the country have been discussed at the meeting today as well. It was noted that preparatory works launched for the vaccination stage, implying the timely supply, infrastructural and logistic works, are actively progressing. At the same time, apart from the COVAX platform, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia are engaged in the negotiations held with international partners and pharmaceutical companies.

Council also discussed the availability of hospital beds in the healthcare sector of the country, along with measures aimed at mobilizing the additional resources and medical equipment in intensive and critical care units. Special attention was made on the significance of clinical hotels, which have intensified therapeutic elements and medical oxygen supply, as instructed by the Prime Minister. It was noted that many clinical hotels are managed by specific healthcare facilities, which ensures a permanent medical supervision of the referred patients, along with a consistent monitoring of their health condition.