A photographer takes photos of police officers during curfew in downtown Belgrade, Serbia, on March 18, 2020. Serbian elders were banned outside movement starting from Wednesday, while all citizens were prevented from leaving their homes overnight, the government decided on Tuesday. President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said that all other citizens had to stay home between 8 pm and 5 am disregarding their age, excluding people on assignments and employees in the third shift. (Photo by Nemanja Cabric/Xinhua)
BELGRADE, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Serbian elders will be banned outside movement starting from Wednesday, while all citizens will be prevented from leaving their homes overnight, the government decided on Tuesday.
President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic explained the decision at a press conference, saying that "difficult decisions aim to protect the health of citizens".
Citizens older than 65 in cities, and 70 in rural areas will no longer be allowed to go out at all, Vucic confirmed.
Moreover, he said that all other citizens will have to stay home between 8 pm and 5 am disregarding their age, excluding people on assignments and employees in the third shift.
"New, rigorous measures have been taken to combat the spread of coronavirus in our country," Vucic warned, adding that Serbia faces "incredible challenges".
He pointed out that people haven't invested enough discipline in previous measures and recommendations, and that the curfew is necessary to reduce the level of vulnerability and risk to population.
"We have made unpopular decisions, but both will mean protecting people's lives, as well as making it clear that we care about preserving human lives in our country, the right of our parents, our retirees to have a future," Vucic said.
So far, Serbia has 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases, out of 374 tested samples.
Previously, Serbia closed schools and border crossings. No foreigners are allowed to enter, while Serbian people who wish to enter will have to stay 14 to 28 days in quarantine.
After Vucic's appeal for China's help, first testing kits arrived recently, with more medicinal aid as well as doctors from China expected to arrive in the following days.
