Today’s council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the Government Administration, discussed the country’s steadily stabilizing epidemiological situation and its current positive indicators. The meeting emphasized that the normalizing epidemiological situation and predominantly eased restrictions are no reason for being complacent, with the proper use of facemasks and social distancing remaining the key preventive measures. It is vital for citizens to exercise high responsibility, because neglecting epidemiological safety norms boost virus spread and will necessitate reintroduction of previously lifted restrictions.

On the Interagency Coordination Council’s decision, another set of restrictions was lifted on March 8. In particular, aerial lifts in mountain resorts reopened in line with epidemiological standards and regulations, restraints resumed indoor dining, and nonfood retail trade by both malls and marketplaces is now allowed including on weekends. At this point, the 9 PM to 5 AM curfew remains in force.

The Coordination Council continues monitoring the country’s epidemiological situation to make decisions based on detailed analysis. The council meeting today discussed logistics and operational issues pertaining to the import of vaccines, also negotiations with international partners and manufacturers. On the Prime Minister"s instructions, active negotiations are underway with both immediate vaccine manufacturers and partner countries, to import the first batch as soon as possible.

The Parliament of Georgia led by Speaker Archil Talakvadze and the President’s Administration are actively involved in the work of the Interagency Coordination Council chaired by the Prime Minister.