Grigol Gegelia: In response to the heightened epidemic risk, states bordering Russia have tightened border controls; we call upon the Minister of Health to immediately report to the public—take action, clarify, and explain!
In response to the heightened epidemic risk, states bordering Russia have tightened border controls and initiated sanitary-quarantine checks at crossing points; against this backdrop, it remains unclear what the Georgian state is doing. The people of Georgia deserve an answer regarding the measures the government is currently taking—this was stated by Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Secretary of Strong Georgia – Lelo.
According to him, this feigned calmness on the part of Georgian Dream is, in reality, foolishness and criminal inaction.
"I would like to address the reports regarding the spread of pneumonic plague in the Russian Federation, which has resulted in approximately 200 people being placed under medical observation. In response to the heightened epidemic risk, states bordering Russia—including Central Asian nations such as Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan—took immediate action yesterday; they tightened border controls and implemented sanitary-quarantine checks at crossing points. Individuals, vehicles, and cargo crossing the border are already being monitored. This is how a vigilant and prudent government acts while waiting for the situation to be clarified and the potential scale of the risk to be determined—especially given that a dictatorship is involved. Russia's ruling regime, like authoritarian regimes in general, consistently conceals the true picture, and there is a danger that the situation is far more severe than is publicly known.
Against this backdrop, it is unclear what the Georgian state is doing. While it is important to avoid excessive public alarm, the Georgian people equally deserve an answer regarding the measures the government is currently taking. Yet, so far, we see no reaction whatsoever; the regime, true to form, remains completely indifferent. This feigned calmness on the part of Georgian Dream is, in reality, sheer folly and criminal inaction! We call upon the Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, to immediately report to the Georgian people on the preventive measures the government intends to implement to safeguard public health and safety! Take action, provide clarification, and explain! Health and peace to Georgia!" stated Grigol Gegelia.
