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2.6 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.
In the final, sixth stage, as of July 6, gambling businesses, entertainment services, hotels, educational institutions and all other types of businesses will resume operations.
2.7 EU Council approves 3bn macro-financial aid to help partners cope with coronavirus
The European Council adopted a decision on May 20 to provide macro-financial assistance (MFA) of up to €3bn to ten enlargement and neighbourhood partners to help them cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The European Commission proposed the €3bn MFA package on April 22.
9 GEORGIA Country Report August 2020 www.intellinews.com
