Produce markets temporarily closed in Tbilisi amid coronavirus outbreak

All produce markets have been temporarily closed in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi starting today in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

The decision was made by the Inter-agency Coordination Council, established and headed by the Prime Minister of Georgia in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile yesterday produce markets were closed in the towns of Senaki and Zugdidi in Samegrelo region of Georgia as "they failed to follow the recommendations".

Georgian Agriculture Minister Levan Davitashvili said there was a high risk of  the coronavirus spreading at produce markets and thus it was necessary to close them. 

He said that the National Food Agency of Georgia created recommendations for produce markets and if they are met they will be able to continue to operate.

The recommendations include:

• Provision of special protective equipment for sales staff
• Strict adherence to hygienic and sanitary conditions
• Daily disinfection
• Identifying and registering each sales staff member (including information about with with whom they had contact during the last 14 days)
• Citizens above 70 years not to be allowed in the markets
• Ensuring distance between trade counters

In the meantime the government is offering an ‘organised platform’ to farmers to sell their products and Davitashvili said it is a wholesale trading network, JIBE Cash & Carry, that provides service to legal and private customers.