Healthcare official says crowded gatherings unacceptable amid pandemic

Head of Tbilisi Infectious Disease Hospital Tengiz Tsertsvadze has called on Georgian citizens to maintain coronavirus-related safety regulations and avoid crowded gatherings. 

There is no excuse for crowded gatherings today, even if they are held with good intentions and with the purpose to care for the better future of the country”, Tsertsvadze said. 

Tsertsvadze told journalists earlier today that as the country has not declared a lockdown it is everyone's responsibility to ‘strictly maintain’ all of the regulations imposed by the state and health officials aimed at avoiding the further spread of COVID-19.

He therefore urged everyone to

• wear face masks in close and open areas 
• keep  social distancing 
• avoid large gatherings

Georgia reported 2,911 new cases of coronavirus, 2,421 recoveries and 45 deaths earlier today. 

Amid an uptick in coronavirus cases a curfew has gone into effect in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, Zugdidi, Gori and Poti between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. since November 9. 

• NGOs: imposing curfew is unconstitutional

Meanwhile, opposition politicians and their supporters continue to protest, demanding repeat parliamentary elections.