Economic team meets business sector representatives
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, November 24
The Economic Team of the Government of Georgia led by the deputy Prime Minister Maia Tskitishvili held meetings yesterday with the private sector under the instructions of PM Giorgi Gakharia. The team met with restaurants, marketplaces, shopping malls, and large chain representatives. The meetings were attended by Finance Minister Ivane Machavariani, and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava.
According to the information published by the press service of the government, it was noted at the meetings that to avoid further spread of the virus, mobility needs to be reduced. Therefore, based on the recommendations of the epidemiologists, the government intends to extend the scope of local targeted restrictions in the country, which is planned to be carried out as a result of close communication with businesses and its representatives. It was especially stressed that the main goal of the government is to maximally maintain the existing jobs parallel to this process “to ensure a greater reduction of the impact caused by the global crisis to the economy of the country.”
The Finance Minister stressed the importance of developing such measures that, on the one hand, will help curb the spread of the virus, on the other hand, will have minimal impact on the economy.
Attention was focused on the additional events in support of businesses, which the government will announce shortly, as well as on the responsibilities of businesses to comply with the existing regulations.
Representatives of shopping malls and large chains noted during the meeting that they share the approach of the government regarding the targeted restrictions and expressed readiness to maximally ensure that safety rules are followed at their premises.
According to the Press Service of the Government, during a discussion about the potential restrictions, it was once again noted that full lockdown is still not on the agenda.
Yesterday, 3958 new coronavirus cases were reported. In terms of raising the number of recovered patients, a positive trend is maintained and namely 3531 patients recovered from the coronavirus yesterday. Unfortunately, there were 36 new fatal cases. Since the first detection of the virus in February, the total number of confirmed cases has reached 108 690. There are 89 170 recovered patients, and unfortunately, 1012 people have died of the virus.
