Dear Anne, 

The inspections and exceptions for the Diplomats' families are out of NCDC scope. We were just in a role of mediators last week-end.

I understand that the Ministry of Health will respond to your letter.

Thank you.

Elene Godziashvili

 

International Relations Office / NCDC

Focal Point and Coordinator of US programs

 

Add: Kakheti Highway 99, 0198 Tbilisi

Tel: (995 32) 116 001 (ext.711)

Mob: (995 591) 708 197

E-mail: e.godziashvili@ncdc.ge; elene.godziashvili@gmail.com

 

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From: Slack, Anne (Tbilisi)
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 12:12:20
To: Elene Godziashvili; ggasviani@moh.gov.ge
Cc: Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi); Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi); Maia Nikoleishvili; Khatuna Kveselava; Amiran Gamkrelidze; Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi)
Subject: Ministry of Health Exception to Inspect Diplomatic Residences & Broader Government Coordination

 

Dear Elene and Gvantsa,

 

We learned today from the Holmgren family that a Ministry of Health inspector twice tried to visit the home to inspect it despite our initially receiving an exception per your note below that the Ministry of Health imposes exceptions on diplomatic services and missions, including the U.S. Embassy.  After telling the inspector about this exception again today, he left.  Our medical unit provider followed up with the Ministry of Health to confirm that the exception granted to diplomatic missions remains current and the Ministry of Health said that it is.  However, after we informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whom I’ve added to this email communication, they said that they were not aware of the broader Ministry of Health exception for diplomatic residences.

 

While the issue of the Holmgren residence has been resolved, as the Ministry of Health confirmed there will be no inspection, we would be grateful for clarity about the exception and its application.  We have 120 new personnel and their family members arriving between now and September and we would like to ensure a smooth arrival process for everyone and to maintain the high confidence the Georgian government has in our ability to follow the government’s COVID health-related rules.

 

We were wondering if there is an initiative to discuss this exception to inspect diplomatic residences in the government’s interagency council to help ensure that relevant government ministries and agencies are aware of it and to convey to the diplomatic community a process for everyone to follow to mitigate the possibility of misunderstanding as the summer transfer season across diplomatic missions is set to begin.

 

Best Regards, Anne

 

 

From: Elene Godziashvili
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Amiran Gamkrelidze ; Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi)
Cc: Slack, Anne (Tbilisi) ; Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi) ; Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) ; Maia Nikoleishvili ; ggasviani@moh.gov.ge
Subject: Re: Request: No Inspection of Quarantine Residence

 

Dear Juan,

 

I am writing on behalf of Dr. Amiran. He is aware of your request. 

 

There was communication with the MOH/ healthcare department- particularly, with Dr. Gvantsa Gasviani. She confirmed that they impose exceptions on diplomatic services / missions, including the US Embassy.

 

Just for keeping the set regulations, please provide the full list of upcoming travellers (passport data) to Dr. Gasviani. Herein, I am copying her and Ms. Nikoleishvili ( MOH / International Affairs Division) and their contact info:

 

Gvantsa Gasviani 557 119 100

Maia Nikoleishvili 577 272 713

 

Dr. Gasviani will kindly recommend you on details if it might need something additional.

 

If you feel us to help you in anyway, please let us know.

 

Have a nice Saturday! 

 

Best,

 

Elene

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From: Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) <AparicioJJ@state.gov>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 11:19:52 AM
To: Amiran Gamkrelidze <A.Gamkrelidze@ncdc.ge>
Cc: Elene Godziashvili <E.Godziashvili@ncdc.ge>; Slack, Anne (Tbilisi) <SlackA@state.gov>; Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi) <HydeTM@state.gov>; Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) <CummingsSR@state.gov>
Subject: Request: No Inspection of Quarantine Residence

 

Good morning Dr. Amiran,

 

I hope you are doing well and my sincere apologies for messaging on a Saturday morning!

 

As you know, we have diplomatic personnel entering the country, and we have been so grateful for the NCDC and wider Georgian government’s assistance in allowing their entry.  We are committed to ensuring that all quarantine requirements are met and our Medical Unit has taken full responsibility for monitoring our staff during their quarantine period.  

 

We have a some personnel entering Georgia soon - including one likely within the next few days - and we received a message that MOH/NCDC would have to inspect their diplomatic residence beforehand.  

 

We respectfully request that NCDC waive the requirement to inspect our residences, as this has not been necessary in the past and we remain committed to upholding all quarantine requirements.  Thank you for your consideration and please do let us know if you have any questions, sir. 

 

Best,

Juan Aparicio

 

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