Subject: RE: Ministry of Health Exception to Inspect Diplomatic Residences & Broader Government Coordination
From: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>
To: "Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi)" <[email-masked]>
Cc: Avtandil Talakvadze <[email-masked]>, Alexander Khvtisiashvili <[email-masked]>, Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>, Natia Khmaladze <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:56:41 +0000

Dear Juan

Many thanks for letting me know. We’ve brought this issue to the attention of the GoG coordination council this morning. In line with the Governmental Resolution #332 as of May 23 2020, representatives of international missions in Georgia and diplomats as well we their family members are allowed to choose self-isolation versus quarantine upon entry into the country. The National Center for Emergency and Ambulance services is obliged to inspect self-isolation premises and monitor the process for all eligible groups with no exemption.

I believe the communication below reflects individual cases when the waver was granted based on the commitment made by the US Embassy’s Health Department and MFA for individual delegates. We are ready to work with the MFA and the Governmental committee on introducing necessary revisions in the attached regulation for redefining responsibilities on implementation of adequate self-isolation for diplomatic representatives.

For any issues or clarifications on this matter please contact me directly. CC to Maia Nikoleishvili and Avtandil Talakvadze.

Many thanks for your patience and cooperation.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia, MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

From: Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) [mailto:[email-masked]]
Sent: 17 June, 2020 12:15
To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>
Subject: FW: Ministry of Health Exception to Inspect Diplomatic Residences & Broader Government Coordination

Dr. Gabunia,

For your awareness, please see the message our Acting Political Chief sent to MFA/NCDC and Maia at the MOH.  If you would like me to include you on this chain, please do let me know!

Best,

Juan

From: Slack, Anne (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 12:12
To: Elene Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]
Cc: Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; Khatuna Kveselava <[email-masked]>; Amiran Gamkrelidze <[email-masked]>; Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>
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 <[email-masked]>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 12:54 PM
To: Amiran Gamkrelidze <[email-masked]>; Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>
Cc: Slack, Anne (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Maia Nikoleishvili <[email-masked]>; [email-masked]
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

From: Aparicio, Juan J (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2020 11:19:52 AM
To: Amiran Gamkrelidze <[email-masked]>
Cc: Elene Godziashvili <[email-masked]>; Slack, Anne (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Hyde, Thomas M (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>; Cummings, Sarah R (Tbilisi) <[email-masked]>
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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