All shops close to stem coronavirus spread; groceries, pharmacies, gas stations, post offices and banks remain open

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has announced today that all malls will temporarily close in the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Only groceries, pharmacies, gas stations, post offices and banks will remain open. 

PM Gakharia made an announcement after the recent meeting of the National Security Council. President Salome Zurabishvili and Parlaiemnt Speaker Archil Talakvadze also attended the meeting. 

Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Earlier today the Georgian Retail Business Association stated that a number of popular brand shops, including Zara, Koton, Bershka, OVS, Terranova, Parfois, Levis, Massimo Dutti, Trussardi will be temporarily closed from March 19 to April 1 to support the global response against the coronavirus pandemic. 

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We are taking into consideration that today the country has moved from containment to the spread of the coronavirus; it has been declared a global pandemic; therefore, it is important to carry out effective and coordinated measures throughout the country to combat the virus”, the announcement reads. 

The Association also noted that COVID-19 has made a negative impact on business, however, they expressed the readiness to cooperate with the Georgian authorities to overcome further spread of the coronavirus and minimise the possible danger.

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Since February 26, 2020, Georgia had 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19, however, the first patient who has recovered has been discharged. As of now, 1,592 individuals are under quarantine in Georgia.