BELGRADE, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Montenegro issued strict temporary measures, including a closure of schools, ban on public gatherings, and restriction of land and sea passenger transport, though it has so far no confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Montenegrin Ministry of Health ordered provisional measures on Friday afternoon in order to prevent the outbreak of the infection and transmission of COVID-19, the government said in a press release.
The country prohibited all cruisers and yachts from entering its major ports until April 2, and closed numerous border crossings with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Croatia and Serbia.
Both indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited, including sports, political, religious, cultural and artistic, private gatherings and ceremonies.
Visitors are prohibited from hospitals and prisons, while schools will close their doors starting from March 16 for at least 15 days.
However, people will not be absent from work in this period, except those that need to take care of children under age of 11.
Travels from Montenegro are prohibited to Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Austria, while returnees from these countries along with Slovenia will be placed under sanitary supervision.
Several days ago, Montenegro put Italy, Spain, China, Iran and South Korea on the list of countries where traveling is forbidden.
A procurement of additional quantities of hygiene products, as well as disinfectants for hands, workplaces and equipment was ordered primarily for educational institutions and health care institutions.
Moreover, the Health Ministry recommended owners, managers and tenants of large establishments to prevent people from gathering in small spaces, as crowds are to be avoided.
Work from home is advised, if possible. Health care institutions are advised special regime, while patients are asked to delay visits which are not urgent.
Businesses are asked not to abuse the situation for making extra profits, especially when selling food, hygiene products, medicines and medical devices.
