UN in Georgia: ‘Share the Easter spirit, not the virus!’
The UN in Georgia said that “adhering to physical distancing rules protect ourselves, our beloved ones and the entire community”. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
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The United Nations in Georgia wishes that all who celebrate Easter, but calls on them to continue fighting against the coronavirus by staying home.
The UN Georgia said Easter “is a very special occasion for Georgia, when many families come together and share a heartwarming celebration”, however, “the community spirit at the heart of Easter includes a sense of responsibility to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19”.
The UN in Georgia commends the people of Georgia for the responsible way they are complying with the protective measures recommended by the Government, guided by the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO). This approach has already reduced the number of cases of infection and saved lives”, the UN Georgia said, adding that “we need to continue this trend”.
Orthodox Christians in Georgia will celebrate one of the most significant dates in the religious calendar, Easter, on April 19. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
Calling on every family in Georgia “to share the spirit of the celebration, but put the health and the wellbeing of the community first”, the UN Georgia calls on them to stay home and avoid gatherings to ensure that everyone remains healthy in these “unheard-of circumstances”.
More than ever, we should make use of modern technology to reconnect with relatives and friends living far and close: physical distancing is not social isolation. Let’s maintain our connections by conducting faith activities in alternative ways”, it noted.
The UN Georgia further explained that “adhering to physical distancing rules protect ourselves, our beloved ones and the entire community”, as well as protects in particular the most vulnerable: older people, people living with chronic health conditions and immune suppression.
All private vehicle traffic has been banned throughout the country until April 21. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
Following the Government's recommendations will also protect healthcare workers and public health professionals who have been bravely and tirelessly, day and night, fighting the pandemic since the very first case. We need to stay home to let them stay at work healthy and caring for the sick ones”, it concluded.
As of now, the number of total confirmed cases of coronavirus has increased to 385 in Georgia, including 84 recoveries and three deaths.
Although the traditional Easter service on Saturday night will be held with police supervision despite the curfew, Georgian government and health officials call on worshippers to stay home and follow the state of emergency regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Police have fined 321 people for violating state of emergency regulations and curfew during the last 24 hours in Georgia. 85 individuals were fined for violating the curfew regulations, 96 individuals were fined for violating rules of transportation and driving, and 140 individuals were fined for public gathering and violating 2-meter distance
The number of total confirmed cases of coronavirus has increased to 385 in Georgia, including 84 recoveries and three deaths. As on now, some other 4,971 individuals remain in quarantine and 519 more are under medical observation at hospitals due to possible contact with the infected individuals.
If people don’t stay home, the collapse of the healthcare system will be inevitable in Georgia, the Head of the Georgian National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Amiran Gamkrelidze said in an interview with Rustavi 2 earlier today.
The Georgian government and the patriarchate have reached a long-awaited deal that the traditional Easter service on Saturday night will be held with police supervision despite the curfew.However, the Georgian government calls on worshippers to stay home and follow the state of emergency regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Orthodox Christians in Georgia are celebrating one of the most significant dates in the religious calendar, Easter. The liturgy started around 11 p.m. last night at Trinity Cathedral in Georgian capital of Tbilisi and some other churches throughout the country but few worshippers attended the service amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Amnesty International says in its most recent study that Georgia enacted necessary state of emergency measures on April 21. However, it says that concerns were raised that certain anti-Covid-19 measures were applied ‘in a discriminatory fashion.’
The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Georgia at its 43rd session in Geneva, yesterday, reiterating its support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Russia’s actions in Georgia’s occupied regions and praising the efforts of the Georgian government to strengthen democracy.