Georgian PM recommends state, private offices work remotely to prevent coronavirus spread

The Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia recommends state agencies and private organisations to work remotely to avoid the spread of coronavirus in the country.

• Georgian gov’t announces emergency mode as WHO declares pandemic

The recommendation was made after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of China-born Covid-19 virus a pandemic.

The government of Georgia and all state agencies are given the recommendation to work remotely. Each employee whose presence at work is not a must should work remotely. This recommendation is given to all private structures and bodies. Of course we should take into account that this step should not hinder the effective functioning of government and state bodies”, Gakharia said today.

• Coronavirus: number of confirmed cases in Georgia increases to 24

Georgian Ministry of Economy has already received this recommendation and since March 13 a certain group of its employees will work remotely.

Transitioning to remote labour mode does not mean reducing working hours or leaving employees on vacation, so this decision will not reduce labour efficiency. It should be noted that, if necessary, the employee assigned to the remote labour mode must immediately appear at the office within one hour upon request”, read the statement published by the Ministry of Economy.

Senior and mid-level managers of the different departments of the Ministry of Economy should, as far as possible, reduce or eliminate all meetings, guest visits, or other events to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The Economy Minister and deputy ministers will continue working as usual.