Coronavirus in Georgia and its effect on foreign investment

Coronavirus and government’s roles in its spread:

Countries worldwide are currently affected by Coronavirus or Covid-19, a virus that originated in Wuhan, China and consequently spread across the globe.

A series of evidence has traced back the origins of the virus to one of the Wuhan’s market, where live animals are slaughtered and sold to public.

The coronavirus is easily transmitted from one person to another, much like the common cold or flu. Transmission takes place through the respiratory tract by coughing or sneezing.

The viral droplets that result from this can settle on any physical object and survive for extended periods of time. Because of this, people can also get infected with the virus by touching their mouth, nose or eyes after handling the surface of these objects without protection.

The World Health Organization says the incubation period is up to 14 days.

 How to prevent coronavirus?

-Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer

-Do not go to crowded places and use a surgical mask and gloves if necessary,

-Maintain social distancing

-Don’t use public transport

Don’t you think something is wrong here?

China, which was the first country to be hit by coronavirus, claims that it has nothing to do with it and also it has entered China from another country.

Wuhan to Shanghai = 629km
Wuhan to Beijing = 1052km
Wuhan to Milan = 8700km
Wuhan to New York = 12000km
Wuhan to Attili =  8670km
Wuhan to London = 8880km
Wuhan to Paris =  8900km
Wuhan to Spain = 9830km
Wuhan to India = 3575km
Wuhan to Iran = 6560km

Coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, and has now spread to other parts of the world, but the virus supposedly hasn’t spread to the Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai!

Beijing is a city where all government and military leaders live. Corona has no effect here, why?

Shanghai is a city that manages the Chinese economy and all the rich Chinese live there. Corona has no effect here either, why?

If Covid-19 truly is a pandemic and the world’s largest developed countries could not stop it, then perhaps it’s worth questioning why the virus didn’t reach Beijing or Shanghai right?

How did Georgia succeed in controlling the outbreak of the coronavirus?

Upon hearing about the spread of Coronavirus, the Georgian government employed a timely and efficient approach to deter an unchecked influx of infected individuals. During the early stages of the outbreak, it acted immediately by closing its borders to China, Iran and Italy, and when the virus spreads even further it instantly banned all incoming flights.

On March 21st, 2020, Georgian government announced a State of Emergency and put all major cities under quarantine. Additonal measures and care instructions were enforced and with the exception of essential businesses (thereby meaning food providers, pharmacies, etc…) all companies were forced to shut down and the general public was encouraged to continue working from home.

The number of confirmed cases of people infected with Covid-19 currently (2020-04-08) stands at 195, a relatively low figure. All cases are being treated under quarantine at a by the government specially designated hospital. 46 people have already recovered and have been discharged from the hospital.

As of March 31st, 2020, a general curfew was imposed, restricting the public from leaving the house between 9pm to 6am, with exception provisions reserved for medical staff and people working at pharmacies.

Corona and its impact on the Georgian economy :

Covid-19 has caused an economic downturn all over the world and Georgia is obviously not being spared either.

However, from the very beginning, the Georgian government has imposed price regulations on basic foodstuffs as part and parcel in guaranteeing equal access to resources for its population. Warehouses are stocked and the government has assured there’s ample supply to feed the nation.

The country has also considered enough currency into the market to control its value.

Funds were made available to sponsor utility payments for the vast majority of the population in need. Water, electricity and gas will be covered by the government from March until May. Those who already paid their bills were automatically refunded under this provision.

Corona and its impact on Georgia’s foreign investors :

Though Coronavirus is something horrible, it does point out the places where both physical and financial security are maintained best.

The first thing that will come to mind for investors is to research which countries were successful during Covid-19 era in protecting people’s lives against the virus, and simultaneously safeguarding their economy and financial market from a meltdown.

Well, without a doubt, given the government’s actions and their care strategies, we are proud to see that Georgia finds itself among those successful countries.

Georgia has thus far shown that the government values ​​its citizens and foreign residents and takes responsibility for them.

The period after Covid-19 in Georgia:

Georgia’s success story in controlling the coronavirus and providing all necessary services to its people will undoubtedly attract the attention of foreign investment once the pandemic has been neutralized.

With its systemic foundations seemingly unshaken by Covid-19, the future of Georgia will continue to hold the promise of a dynamic economy, exponentially growing in terms of its financial market, tourism, trade, property development, residency opportunities, and most importantly investment.

During these difficult times, it remains important to keep an eye on the future. Georgia has proven to be extremely steadfast in facing Covid-19 and was able to implement preventative measures in an utmost timely and efficient manner, thereby protecting its citizens and providing the country with the necessary stability. All of this was made possible without the support from any neighboring or other European countries. This makes Georgia one of the countries to be proud of during this crisis, and definitely a country to keep an eye on for investment and/or immigration plans in the future.