Georgia: Authorities extend suspension of international flights until October 31 /update 18

Event

Georgian authorities have announced that the suspension of international flights due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic will be extended until October 31. Flights between Tbilisi and Riga, Paris, and Munich are exempt from the suspension, as are cargo, governmental, medical, and emergency flights.

Authorities tightened restrictions on social gatherings on Thursday, September 10, following an increase in COVID-19 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. Political and election-related gatherings are exempt from this regulation. Some educational establishments in rural areas are to reopen on Tuesday, September 15, but many are to remain closed until October 1 at the earliest. Social distancing measures are in place and face masks must be worn in enclosed public spaces.

As of Saturday, September 12, health authorities have confirmed a total of 2075 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 the 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.