See Tbilisi streets deserted amid coronavirus fears

The Georgian government announced a temporary ban on incoming flights on Monday. However, even before the move streets in the Georgian capital looked deserted as locals stayed home and number of travellers plummeted amid fears around the spread of Covid-19.

The flight ban is the latest measure in efforts against the international outbreak of the virus, with three new cases of infection identified in Georgia on Sunday.

A view on Metekhi Bridge square, one of the popular destinations for both locals and tourists in Tbilisi. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

The number brought the figure of confirmed cases in the country up to 33, with moves including suspension of sporting competitions and cultural events announced throughout the last week.

Many of the citizens and remaining visitors wore protective measures in the deserted streets of the capital. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Recommendations for businesses to avoid activities involving direct contact with customers and closure of ski resorts also fell within steps taken in Georgia to limit the spread.

A driver seen with face mask and gloves in Tbilisi. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

With the precautions and recommendations against direct contact in social circumstances, many of the usually busy catering venues became gradually deserted throughout last week.

Newspaper vendor wears face mask in a street in Georgian capital. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

This week this was compounded by government's recommendation for restaurants, bars and cafes to offer takeout and delivery services to customers instead of direct service.

A decrease in passengers for public transportation services was observed as many stayed home as a precautionary measure against the virus. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

In the streets, popular tourist areas such as Bambis Rigi, Shardeni Street and Sioni Street saw drastically reduced pedestrian traffic.

A street vendor is seen with protective face mask and gloves in Tbilisi. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Locations in old town and downtown districts were affected along with a reduction of passengers for public transportation.

Both pedestrian and vehicle traffic decreased in Tbilisi due to Covid-19 fears. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge.

Street vendors and occasional passersby were seen wearing protective face masks and gloves.

The government has announced it expects no shortage of groceries and household products and has launched a website for informing citizens of the latest local and international developments around Covid-19.