SKOPJE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- North Macedonia's President Stevo Pendarovski declared on Saturday the extension of the state of emergency by another 14 days to June 13 due to the recent increase in coronavirus cases in the country.
In his address to the public following a session of the Security Council, Pendarovski said that this decision was made as a consequence of the recent developments in North Macedonia.
"Taking into account the recent developments and the increased number of new coronavirus cases and casualties, I have decided to declare a new 14-day state of emergency to come into effect Sunday," the president said.
Pendarovski noted that the decision was reached in order to ensure that the government and institutions can efficiently manage the health, as well as socio-economic effects of the coronavirus crisis.
Pendarovski also praised the citizens for abiding by the coronavirus preventive measures for the third month in a row.
"We must not let our guard down and endanger all the positive results we have achieved so far in the fight against the pandemic. We will win this fight, but we must remain alert and responsible until the end," Pendarovski said.
But he recommended that the government do not restore movement restrictions nationwide, as the negative trends were observed only in certain municipalities.
Saturday is the last day of the 14-day state of emergency declared by the president on May 15.
Previously Pendarovski has declared two consecutive 30-day state of emergency to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country, on March 18 and April 16, respectively.
On Saturday, the Health Ministry reported 35 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country's total confirmed cases to 2,164, with 1,535 recoveries and 131 fatalities. Enditem
