The government should speak more effectively, loudly and openly about the problems that might be caused, including by the church rituals, - Sergi Kapanadze, one of the leaders of European Georgia, told reporters.

He said that allowing exceptions in such a situation would make restrictions pointless.

“In this particular situation, when quarantine, self-isolation and generally restricted contacts are of utmost importance to reduce the risks, it is very important for all organizations, be it the Church or others, to follow these rules. Otherwise, allowing exceptions, especially when many people gather together and there is a risk that the virus will spread quickly, makes restrictions pointless.

We hope that common sense will prevail and the government will speak more effectively, loudly and openly about the problems that might be caused, including by the conduct of church rituals. This is not a virus that affects one or two people, it is a virus that endangers the health of the whole nation and it is everyone's responsibility to bear this in mind in these very difficult conditions,” Kapanadze said.