Georgia: Authorities tighten some COVID-19 restrictions from September 10 /update 17

Event

Georgian authorities have announced that the current restriction on social gatherings, previously implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been tightened following a rise in the number of cases in the country. Under the increased restrictions, the current ban prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people at indoor events has been extended to include outdoor events.

Georgian aviation authorities previously announced on August 17, that international flight restrictions have been extended until October 1. The Civil Aviation Agency further reported that the restrictions on regular international flights do not apply to direct international flights between Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and the Airport of Munich (MUC), Paris- Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Riga International Airport (RIX).

As of September 11, health authorities have confirmed a total of 1830 COVID-19 cases with 19 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.