On 10 August, the Georgian government imposed a strict lockdown in Mestia, Ushguli and Lenjeri following the rise of Covid-19 cases in those locations, reported agenda.ge.

People in the lockdown zones would not be able to enter or leave the municipality without police consent. Tourists who are now in the municipality will be placed under quarantine in hotels where they are currently located (if the hotels meet the recommendations of Georgia’s Health Ministry) or will be transported to other quarantine zones. The government asked tourists to stay where they are because a special group will decide whether to have them stay in their original hotels or transport them to other quarantine zones inside the municipality. All individuals who leave the municipality with the police permission have to spend two weeks under quarantine in the new location.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia assured that there was no reason to panic despite the rise of Covid-19 cases in the municipality. “We understand that there are many tourists in Mestia. No-one will be left without attention, and there is nothing to panic about, we're managing the process… [carefully]. The healthcare system is ready so that if there is an increase in the number of infections, we can calmly manage these numbers as before,” he said.

In the past 24 hours, the country reported 25 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number to 1,250. Out of 25 new cases,17 have been confirmed in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.

Georgia receives 310€ million from Germany

A few days earlier, Georgia signed a loan agreement with Germany worth 310€ million in order to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and to foster development in its municipalities. 

More specifically, €180 million will be given for anti-Covid-19 measures while the remaining €130 million is for regional projects. Of the €130 million for regional projects, €80 million will be allocated for Kazbegi municipality of Georgia and the remaining €50 million will be spent on the development of Imereti region.

“Today, Georgia is one of the largest recipients of German financial support per capita. This proves how important our relationship is,” said Georgia’s Finance Minister Ivane Matchavariani after signing the loan agreement.