Entering or Leaving Big Cities of Georgia Prohibited for 10 Days Starting Today

According to the government's decision, entering or leaving the big cities of Georgia - Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi, and Kutaisi - will be prohibited for 10 days starting at 21:00 on 15 April.

The measure is aimed at reducing the mobility of citizens in large cities as much as possible, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated during a press conference held at the Administration of the Government.

Exceptions to the prohibition on entering and leaving the big cities of Georgia will also be allowed. Citizens should contact the unified hotline of the government by dialing 144 to obtain more information.

According to the assessment of the head of government, the country has moved on to the stage of full-scale internal transmission of the virus. It is therefore necessary to tighten the measures even further.

"COVID-19 is a global challenge and the worst crisis for each of our citizens, as well as our country's institutions and economy. Unfortunately, today we encountered the first instance of having 30 new cases [of infection] in 24 hours. About 500 people are being tested and we can effectively say that we have entered the stage of full-scale internal transmission in the country. The strict forms of quarantine measures that are on the increase throughout the country on a near-weekly basis confirm this fact. Furthermore, even though we must thank our epidemiologists, scientists, and doctors, no one is able to tell us precisely when the crisis and the spread of the virus will peak. This is not happening only in Georgia - this is a global challenge. Today, it is impossible to predict precisely when the spread of the virus will peak. Of course, given this degree of uncertainty, even more importance and value is placed on every step and action taken by the government," the head of government stated.