Parliament approves extension of state of emergency in Georgia until May 22

The Georgian parliament has supported the extension of the state of emergency until May 22 to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus in Georgia.

• State or emergency, vehicle restrictions to be extended in Georgia

97 MPs voted for the decision, while ten others voted against the extension in the 150-member parliament. 

Independent MPs and the members of the United National Movement did not vote for the bill, citing the absence of a ‘genuine, anti-crisis plan.’ 

The government promised to present a draft of the plan on April 24. 

The  restrictions on the use of private cars, which entered into force on April 17, will be in force through April 26 per a statement made by the government yesterday. 

Indepeendent and opposition MPs said that several of the restrictions created serious problems for citizens

The government says that the extension of the state of emergency does not mean that all the restrictions will be maintained. 

• 4 cities to be placed under lockdown - what will be the exceptions?

The government says that lifting of some restrictions, including the movement restrictions, will begin starting April 27. 

Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze stated that curfew is likely to continue until mid-May.

The authorities say that Georgia is going through the peak period of the virus and the extension of the state of emergency will help the country prevent community transmission of the virus. 

• Georgia has reported three new cases of the coronavirus earlier today, bringing the total number of cases to 411. 
• 98 of the 411 people have recovered, while five others have died. 
• As of today 306 individuals inside the country remain infected with the coronavirus. 
• 5,160 people are under quarantine and 579 others in hospitals.