Georgia declares state of emergency to stem coronavirus spread

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili on Saturday announced a state of emergency across the country, which will last until April 21, in an effort to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

The president made the declaration at a special briefing in Tbilisi, during which she called on the public to "reveal a high level of responsibility and keep social distancing."

According to the Georgian government, during the state of emergency, any gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, while those who violate the rules of self-isolation or quarantine will be forcibly taken to a special quarantine center. Most foreign nationals are also barred from entering the country for the time being.

If necessary, the government is authorized to regulate prices on medicines and medical services during the emergency.

As Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said earlier, "the main task, at this stage, is and should be to hinder and stop further spread of the virus."

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country reached 48 on Saturday, official data showed.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)