Georgia imposes three-week Covid-19 restrictions, public transport won't operate

Starting from August 14 and until September 4, 2021, public transport will stop operating across Georgia as part of new government restrictions introduced to stop the sharp increase of Covid-19 cases. The average number of daily confirmed cases in Georgia has now reached 5,000-6,000.

Intercity transport will continue to operate.

Other restrictions include:

● Festivals, concerts, sport and other large-scale events will be canceled

● Children’s entertainment centers will be closed

● Restaurants, cafes, bars and other catering establishments will be open until 23:00 (currently they are open until 00:00).

● Control over compliance with health regulations will be strengthened as much as possible, including compliance with the ban on public events such as weddings and funerals.

● The public and private sectors have been instructed to allow employees to work remotely.

● Georgian government considers introducing new requirements for visiting spas, fitness centers, gyms, and similar facilities: it may become necessary to show the proof of receiving at least one dose of vaccine, or a negative test result made within the last 72 hours, or a “quick test” for antibodies done within the past 24 hours to enter such facilities.

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Speeding up vaccination in Georgia

To speed up the vaccination process, it is planned to involve military doctors. Also, starting from August 14, it is planned to open vaccination centers in the premises of large universities.

According to the National Center for Disease Control, 90% of the cases confirmed in the Lugar laboratory are delta strains, “which are more aggressive and widespread”. That is why such a strong outbreak of infections has begun in Georgia, said the director of the center, Amiran Gamkrelidze.

He urged pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to get vaccinated:

“There are already 4 cases of death of pregnant women from coronavirus in Georgia. I ask obstetricians and gynecologists whose words have a special meaning to pregnant women, to encourage them to get vaccinated”.