Georgian parliament extends government's right to impose Covid-19 restrictions until 2022

The Parliament of Georgia has extended the right of the government of Georgia to impose Covid-19 restrictions until January 1, 2022.

In total 78 members of the parliament voted in favour and 22 against the extension in the 150-member parliament. 

This is the second time the parliament has supported the extension of the Covid-19 restrictions. The parliament extended the right to the government to impose restrictions in December 2020 for six months. The term expires on July 1. 

In the meantime Georgia has lifted several coronavirus restrictions: starting June 22 wearing a face mask in outdoor spaces is no longer mandatory, while the restriction remains in force in gathering places such as bus stops, public transport and indoor spaces. 

• Wearing face masks outdoors no longer mandatory in Georgia, curfew to be lifted on July 1

However, the Interagency Coordination Council still recommends wearing a face mask regularly as 'it is recognised as one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the coronavirus in the world'.

In addition, starting July 1 the curfew will be lifted in Georgia, however restaurants and food facilities in general will be open until 00:00. The operation of nightclubs remains restricted.

Georgia has reported 773 new cases of coronavirus, 575 recoveries and 12 deaths in the past 24 hours. 

The country has had 360,828 cases of coronavirus since February 26, 2020.