Every year on the day after Orthodox Easter, Georgians visit the graves of their loved ones, bringing with them Easter eggs painted red, traditional pastries and wine to commemorate those who have passed.
But this year, given the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the tradition poses a risk to public health.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said yesterday that cemeteries of Tbilisi and other large cities may thus be closed, and that the decision would be made in one or two days.
The cemeteries in Kutaisi and Zestafoni will be closed on Easter for three days,” said State Representative in Imereti Zviad Shalamberidze earlier today. He added that it is not decided yet on which days cemeteries will be closed on April 19-21 or on April 18-20.
Starting 9 p.m. today the four main cities of Georgia - Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi - will be placed under lockdown, preventing people from leaving or entering the cities for ten days at least.
The number of coronavirus cases stand at 306 in Georgia as of today. 69 of the 306 people have recovered, while three other patients, elderly people with several underlying illnesses, have died.
As of today Georgia has 232 active cases of the virus.