Speaking on Thursday, Ekaterine Tikaradze, remarked that "there is no country as special as Georgia in the world - we are unique, and based on that, we will have two green [Covid-19] passes." One of these, she said, will last "indefinitely" for use domestically.
According to the minister, Georgians, unlike citizens of other European countries, can receive a "green passport" even if they contracted the virus over half a year ago. Explaining the country's people are so different, she said:
"It all probably comes from our genetics and character. There is no surprise that the country will be an exception in terms of Covid certificates."A proposed proof of immunity for international travel, however, will have to be renewed every six months to be accepted abroad.
"I personally believe that it is important for society to gradually get used to the important changes taking place in the world. It is probably good that our citizens will have more flexibility amid a tense, social, economic and epidemiological situation."Also commenting on the move on Thursday, the head of the National Center for Disease Control said that Tbilisi was considering the two separate passes for domestic and international use as the majority of countries do not recognize Covid recoveries earlier than six months. Amiran Gamkrelidze explained:
"We are discussing the issue and the Georgian government may allow separate Covid passes for the individuals who have plans to travel, and the QR code of the passes will be harmonized with international standards."Tikaradze's remarks come after Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili ruled last week that no matter when a citizen recovered from Covid, they will be given a green pass starting December 1 to enter a number of public spaces, including dining establishments, bars, entertainment venues and other leisure areas.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Caucasus nation has registered over 825,000 Covid cases and tallied more than 11,700 Covid-related deaths.
Reader Comments
Where do they get these idiots?
R.C.
Not that it would normally matter - cops sometimes see me dumpster diving at night and none of them approached me when witnessing me doing so while brazenly violating curfew. Nearer the beginning of social distancing mandates one who was giving me a ride from a park where I got a call for sleeping to a drop-in centre was telling me to hurry up and get in her car because the cops in town that day had like 35 calls to get to, and that it was mostly snitchy stuff against people breaking restrictions like, "My neighbours are having a party!" and she agreed it was ridiculous.
You ought to write it up. Kind of like 'A day in the life.'
People would be surprised but I have almost as many good cop stories as I have of pigs behaving swinishly. Probably more when I think of it. 'Sleep here where your car's parked. for tonight.'
"If you were one of those Orlando idiots, you'd be a sad boy right now son."
"Stuck in traffic in Nevada NE bound. Had to take a whiz. Found a culvert. Relief. Then some pebbles drop off the blacktop town to me. .
Lots more.
RC
RC