200 Georgians Returning from Italy to be Quarantined Today

Up to 200 Georgian citizens, who will return from Italy to Tbilisi today, will be taken to quarantine amid coronavirus risk, Georgia Today reports, citing the country's Ministry of Health.

They will arrive in Georgia this evening, through two flights that will be performed by airline 'Georgian Airways.'

The citizens will not have to pay travel fees, as the government of Georgia financially supports their transfer to the country.

The local government decided to suspend direct flights with Italy on March 6, as it is one of the countries with the highest risk of the new coronavirus.

Direct flights have also been suspended with China and Iran.

Minister of Economy Natia Turnava announced on March 6 that the state would arrange a return of Georgian citizens from Italy and cover their travel expenses.

"I would like to calm down our citizens who intended to return from Italy to Georgia through direct flights. We are already working to arrange their return. The costs will be paid by the government," the Minister said.