2020-12-28
Relative stability of epidemic condition, preparation process for the vaccination stage, strict enforcement of partially eased COVID restrictions were discussed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at its regular meeting held today at the Government Administration.
Special attention was paid to the actions taken for the uninterrupted flow of the COVID vaccination process and steps made by the Designated Commission established under the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia both in terms of timely supply of vials, as well as its infrastructure and logistics. As noted at the meeting, the first category of the risk groups has been identified already and will be immunised when the vials reach the country. At the same time, it is also known that apart from the COVAX platform, negotiations are actively progressing with international partners and pharmaceutical companies with the engagement of the State through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and overseas diplomatic missions of the country to make sure that first dozes of the vaccine reach Georgia as early as possible. With this aim, the Prime Minister of Georgia held a phone conversation with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Dignitary of the international institution stated that WHO stands ready to support Georgia in the matter relating to the supply of the vaccine, so that the first dozes reach the country as early as possible.
It was noted that the intensive testing process is continued, though referrals are declining. Thus, the Inter-Agency Coordination Council once again urges citizens to use this opportunity offered by the State and when experiencing any respiratory symptoms, get tested at applicable healthcare facilities, number of which are over 200 nation-wide.
Impact of the COVID restriction measures has been underlined resulting in the relative stability of the epidemic situation in the country. Though, it was also noted that the current indicators should not serve as a basis for relaxation, as the epidemic in Georgia and throughout the world remains to be a serious challenge. Inter-Agency Coordination Council and epidemiologists strictly recommend the citizens of Georgia to be extremely vigilant and stay away from organizing or participating in large gatherings and parties on the upcoming festivities by celebrating the New Year's Eve and Christmas in a close family circle by protecting the health of oneself and loved ones.
It is worth noting that social distancing and facemasks remain as the most important preventive measures by curbing the community transfer rate.
It was noted at the meeting of the Council that restrictive measures have resulted in a positive trend witnessed in the statistics of the Emergency Hotline 112 as well. Declining referrals are also witnessed at the statistics of ambulance services.
In parallel with a partially eased COVID restrictions imposed on December 24, Labour Inspection and respective supervision agencies are actively monitoring the groceries and other commodity traders, including the shopping malls, to make sure that they comply with queue management rules and all the other essential recommendations when admitting customers to their premises.
With a joint effort of the Labor Inspection of Georgia, Inland Revenue Service, National Food Agency and municipal supervision agencies, 2779 activities were carried out in the period of December 26-27, resulting in the following: 54 inspections were carried out in shopping malls located in Tbilisi, Imereti and Adjara, along with 1791 units within them. In the case of 20 units, detailed inspection was carried out, though violations are not detected. 843 units received verbal warnings for preventive purposes. 2 units were penalised for unauthorised operation. Individuals were engaged in unauthorised social activities. 69 units were repeatedly inspected and found in full compliance with the performance protocol.
As a result of the monitoring carried out by law-enforcement bodies on the COVID restrictions defined within the scope of a 2-Month-Long Plan of the Government of Georgia 611 cases of violations were detected in the last 24 hours throughout the country. Police has penalised 93 individuals for violating the rules of isolation and/or quarantine, including citizens who breached the mobility ban from 21:00 to 05:00. In addition, 518 individuals were fined for not wearing facemasks in the last 24 hours.
Since the detection of the first COVID-19 case in Georgia 222 143 lab-proven cases of viral infection have been recorded in total, out of which 206 313 individuals recovered and 2 418 died.
Currently 427 individuals are kept in quarantine, 1 311 - at clinical hotels, and 5 624 - at hospitals under medical supervision.
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.
Press Service of the Government Administration