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against the backdrop of the pandemic, which might have escalated the situation to the extreme in the run-up to the [October parliamentary] elections,” read the statement.
The organisations called on the Georgian government to conduct a “transparent investigation” and ensure the involvement of experts from Georgia’s partner countries.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia reacted to the alleged murder plot. They decried foreign interference, congratulated the SUS on its work and warned of political manipulations, but neither of them referred to Russia allegedly having a role in the plot. Zurabishvili said “we are dealing with a criminal and provocative action targeted against the country’s stability”.
2.4​ ​Georgia undergoes “relaxation” as it lifts restrictions to most sectors
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has announced the calendar for the gradual lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions and has outlined a timeline for allowing the resumption of business and other activities. The country has run one of the most severe lockdown regimes in the region.
Only six people have so far died of coronavirus in the nation of 3.7mn nation. Shopping malls will not open sooner than June 8 while educational institutions will open after July 6.
The reopening plan will be rolled out in six different phases, each stage taking place after another two weeks have gone by, while taking into consideration the epidemiological situation in the country. For the whole period, citizens will be obliged to observe physical distancing guidelines and wear face masks in closed public spaces.
In the first stage starting from April 27, driving private vehicles/taxi cabs will be allowed; online shopping and delivery services will resume operations; and open-air agricultural markets will reopen.
During the second stage starting from May 11, restrictions on the construction business, car maintenance services, computer maintenance services, and recreational zones will be eased.
In the third stage starting from May 25, restrictions on retail and wholesale shops (excluding shopping malls) having separate access from the street will be lifted; all types of open-air markets will reopen; publishing companies will resume operations.
As part of the fourth stage starting from June 8, shopping malls, open-air restaurants and beauty salons will reopen; all kinds of financial services will also resume functioning.
In the fifth stage starting June 22, indoor markets/all types of restaurants will reopen.
8​ GEORGIA Country Report ​July 2020 ​ ​www.intellinews.com