Georgia: Authorities maintaining domestic coronavirus restrictions through at least Jan. 31 /update 26

Domestic COVID-19-related restrictions in Georgia in effect until at least Jan. 31; international flight ban ongoing.

Event

Authorities are maintaining domestic restrictions until at least Jan. 31 as part of measures to minimize the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A nationwide 2100-0500 curfew is in effect during which people can only leave their accommodation for essential purposes. Intercity public transport, as well as municipal transport in Tbilisi and other major cities, is currently operating, though will be limited to weekdays only from Jan. 16-31. The following additional measures are in effect:

Nonessential shops in Tbilisi and other major cities are closed, except for online delivery services. From Jan. 16-31 they will be permitted to reopen on weekdays only.
Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transport nationwide.
Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Restaurants are limited to takeaway services only.
All educational establishments are limited to online learning only.
Gyms and leisure centers are closed.

International entry restrictions are also in effect as of Jan. 7. Most foreign nationals are prohibited from entry with exceptions for diplomats, family members of Georgian citizens, individuals carrying out humanitarian work, and transport workers. Exemptions are also possible for business and study purposes, but require special approval from Georgian authorities.

Citizens and residents of France, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania may enter Georgia without restriction provided they have remained within one of these five countries for the previous 14 days, arrive on a direct flight, and can present evidence of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the previous 72 hours, or submit to a PCR test on arrival. Most other foreign arrivals must self-isolate for eight days before taking a further COVID-19 test; visitors on business trips can forego this requirement if they undertake a PCR test every 72 hours during their stay. Citizens and residents of Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Romania are permitted to enter the country, but must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival; any arrivals who have spent any time in the UK within the last 14 days must undergo a 12-day quarantine.

A ban on international flights is in effect until at least until Jan. 31; the ban does not apply to flights connecting Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) with Berlin and Munich in Germany, Paris in France, Warsaw in Poland, Doha in Qatar, Riga in Latvia, Athens in Greece, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Vienna in Austria, or Milan in Italy. Similarly, the ban does not apply to flights connecting Kutaisi Airport (KUT) with Riga, Katowice in Poland, Vilnius in Lithuania, and Dortmund in Germany.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews and could receive updates or extensions in the coming days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.