The Inter-Agency Coordination Council has decided to stiffen countrywide coronavirus restrictions from 28 November.
The Georgian government has released additional information on new restrictions by answering possible questions from the public:
1. Is the government imposing restrictions on the movement of intercity transport?
The government is imposing restrictions on regular movement between cities of Georgia with minibusses, busses (the vehicles of category M2 and M3), and railway from 28 November to 24 December and 3-31 January.
Intercity transport will operate from 24 December to 2 January.
2. Will private companies be permitted to transport their employees from Georgia's one city to another at irregular intervals?
They will be permitted to do so.
3. Are restrictions set to be imposed on the movement of passenger vehicles?
Passenger vehicles, including taxis, will be allowed from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. without a special permit.
4. Will the movement between cities be permitted in passenger cars?
The movement between Georgia's cities in passenger cars, including taxes, will be allowed without a special permit.
5. Will public transport be stopped?
Public transport will not run in the cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Rustavi, Zugdidi, Poti, Telavi from 28 November to 24 December and 3-16 January.
Public transport will not operate at the weekend on 16-31 January.
6. Will taxis be banned in the daytime?
Taxis will not be banned from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
7. Will the movement be forbidden at night?
People will be banned from walking in the streets, gathering at different social events, or driving from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
New Year's Eve and Christmas will be exceptions to this rule, and movement will not be restricted then.
8. Will restrictions be imposed on the movement of public transport in ski resorts, such as Bakuriani, Gudauri, Mestia, and others?
They will be imposed.
9. Will major city restrictions be applicable to villages, municipalities, and settlements?
Restrictions on movement from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. are countrywide. They also apply to fitness clubs, food facilities, and swimming pools throughout Georgia. Other restrictions introduced in major cities are effective in those cities only.
10. Is movement with special permits received before 28 November allowed?
Permits issued before 9 November are valid.
11. Can people over 70 leave their houses?
They can, but this is not recommended.
12. Which regulations apply to restaurants and food facilities?
Only takeaways, deliveries, and drive-in services will be allowed.
13. On which trade centers will restrictions be imposed?
All trade centers will render remote services.
The said restriction does not apply to the retail sale of food and animal feed, animal and plant, household cleaning and hygiene products, veterinary drugs, pesticides, agricultural chemicals, plant and seed products, as well as medical and pharmaceutics products. Also, restrictions do not apply to newsstands and the provision of electricity, natural gas, water, and fuel.
14. Are countrywide restrictions set to be imposed on trade centers?
Restrictions on trade centers are set to be imposed in the cities of Tbilisi, Telavi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Poti, Zugdidi, and ski resorts (Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi, Mestia).
15. Are markets expected to be closed?
All markets in the cities of Tbilisi, Telavi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Poti, Zugdidi, and ski resorts (Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi, Mestia) will render remote services.
Agricultural markets will operate in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health.
16. Are countrywide restrictions planned to apply to fitness centers and swimming pools?
They are.
17. Are beauty salons and aesthetic medicine centers set to be closed?
They will operate in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health.
18. Will delivery services be available?
They will be available throughout the country.
19. Will people be allowed to enjoy delivery services during the curfew (from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.)?
They will if special permits are provided.
20. Will banks, currency exchange booths, and micro-finance organizations operate?
Restrictions on them are not set to be imposed.
21. Will people be allowed to visit food facilities and order takeaways on the spot?
They will be allowed to do so.
22. Which regulations are planned to apply to schools, universities, and educational centers?
These institutions (except for medical programs) will provide citizens with remote services in the cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Poti, Zugdidi.
23. Will participants be allowed to attend training courses, conferences, and workshops?
Only remotely.
24. Will sports and cultural events be held?
Only remotely.
25. Are arts and sports centers set to be closed?
They are set to be closed countrywide.
26. Will kindergartens keep functioning?
Both private and public kindergartens will be closed throughout the country.
27. Will the movement be restricted on ski resorts?
All types of movement and gatherings will be restricted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi, and Mestia resorts.
28. What other restrictions are Bakuriani, Gudauri, Goderdzi, and Mestia expected to see?
Only quarantine zones will be available in hotels in these areas. Food facilities will not function, and traveling by ropeways will be restricted.
29. What penalties have been set for breaking the rules?
Natural persons will be fined GEL 2,000, and legal persons GEL 10,000.
30. When are these restrictions expected to enter into force?
On 28 November 2020.
The Inter-Agency Coordination Council, has decided to stiffen Georgia-wide restrictions today.
