Georgia is set to introduce more restrictions in efforts to curb further spread of COVID-19, Reuters reports quoting Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

Gakharia said on Thursday the new measures would come into force on Saturday and last until 31 January. Restrictions will however be temporarily eased from 24 December to 3 January and on 6-7 January for the Orthodox Christmas.

Some of the new restrictions will include longer curfew hours, the closure of most shops, restaurants, gyms and swimming pools, as well as a ban on sporting and cultural events.

The Reuters report notes that hotels will be used only for people infected with COVID-19 and all winter resorts will be closed. The movement of public vehicles and pedestrians will be restricted, excluding taxis.

Gakharia said non-essential workers will be asked to work remotely from home, while schools also conduct classes online.

By Thursday afternoon, Georgia had reported 118,690 COVID-19 infections with 1,124 deaths, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University.