Tbilisi citizens reclaim streets amid vehicle movement restrictions

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.