Schools to continue studies remotely through 2nd semester in Tbilisi, other big cities

All public and private schools will continue studies remotely until the end of the 1st semester in Tbilisi and nine other big cities due to the rapid increase in the number of new coronavirus cases in the country.

Forty-two kindergartens have been closed in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi since October 12 after teachers and kindergarteners tested positive for the coronavirus.

In-person studies will be restored only for grades one to six in the cities of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Rustavi and Zugdidi starting October 1, while in Poti and Gori all grades will restart in-person studies, said Natia Mezvrishvili, the head of the government administration earlier today.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced today that 'we are not going to and are not ready to impose strict economic restrictions' following the rise in coronavirus cases at a press conference earlier today. Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze and Georgian health officials also announced several new recommendations following the record high new coronavirus cases registered in the country in the past few days. Gakharia noted that despite the increased number of cases, there is no reason to panic, since the government, epidemiologists and clinical groups are in full control of the situation.

School teachers who start teaching in person on February 1 will be tested for coronavirus by PCR before studies resume. 

Twelve per cent of students from 13 cities of Georgia have expressed their desire to continue studies online, Deputy Health Minister Ekaterine Dgebuadze said earlier today. 

The rate of Covid infections at schools across Georgia is up as shown by data from the past week, however the education ministry has said it has effects of the pandemic on educational institutions under control.

Two schools and three kindergartens have been closed in Georgia’s city of Gori after teachers and children tested positive for the coronavirus.