Tbilisi citizens reclaim streets amid vehicle movement restrictions
The government's private vehicle restriction came into force on Friday. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
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With countrywide restrictions on private vehicle use imposed by the Georgian government on Friday to ramp up its efforts against the coronavirus outbreak, the capital city's streets were uncharacteristically quiet over the weekend, and citizens were out enjoying springtime.
During the daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday, the major streets bisecting downtown districts could be seen emptied of traffic.
A view on the Merab Kostava Street in downtown Tbilisi, usually featuring heavy traffic, on Saturday. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
While adhering to limits on numbers of people permitted for simultaneous gathering, people of different age walked, skated and cycled the roads.
Amid the reduction in noise and pollution, they enjoyed the warm April weather spoiling the capital.
Young citizens enjoy warm spring weather while cycling on Merab Kostava Street in Tbilisi. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
The restrictions on traffic came ahead of Easter celebrations, usually accompanied by increased movement within and between cities, as well as Tbilisi and the periphery.
Some of the young people opted for roller skates for their time out in the city. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
The government's decision indicated its resolve for preventing a major hike in coronavirus infections on the religious holiday.
A motorcycle rider is seen on Merab Kostava Street emptied of vehicle traffic on Saturday. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
The limits on vehicles includes taxis but not motorcycles and bicycles. The government later announced the conditions would last at least until Wednesday.
Delivery riders continued their work during the traffic restrictions, as the service was exempted from the limit. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
Beside used as a precaution for Easter activities, the decision on the restrictions also came following a hike in confirmed cases last week.
People seen crossing the usually traffic-heavy Heroes Square in the downtown on Saturday. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
With 30 new cases of infection in 24 hours by Thursday night, also bringing the weekly figure up by 140.
A view on a road adjacent to the Hippodrome recreational park in Saburtalo District of the capital. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
As of Monday Georgia has 399 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with four fatalities.
Young people take photographs on an emptied street in Tbilisi during traffic restrictions over the weekend. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.
The number of coronavirus cases stands at 399 in Georgia as of April 20. 93 of the 399 individuals have recovered, while four other people have died. As of today 300 people remain infected with COVID-19 in the country.5,094 individuals inside the country are in quarantine, while 547 others are in hospitals.More than 2.4 million people have been infected with the virus worldwide as of April 19. 165,105 people have died of the virus, while close to 630,000 have recovered.
Starting 12 p.m. on April 17, all private vehicle traffic will be banned throughout the country until the end of the state of emergency. Prime Minister’s spokesperson Irakli Chikovani announced that despite “the strict recommendations” from healthcare officials to stay home, there is still much movement on the streets.
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.
Georgian citizens can receive many public services remotely in order to prevent the further spread of the new coronavirus. All the services of the National Bureau of Enforcement can be received remotely starting April 6, said Georgian Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani earlier today.
Police have fined 78 individuals for violating the curfew regulations, 38 individuals for violating rules of transportation and driving and 66 individuals for public gathering and violating 2-meter distance during the last 24 hours in Georgia.
Farmers will be allowed to drive cars in the regions of Georgia between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting today, wrote the Chairwoman of the Georgian Farmer's Association Nino Zambakhidze on her Facebook account.
The Georgian government has announced a two-day easing off of restrictions on vehicle traffic between major cities and the rest of the country to allow citizens to return to their homes following Easter celebrations.