Montenegro: Authorities increase COVID-19 restrictions from September 28 /update 12

Event

Montenegrin authorities plan to increase selected restrictions, previously implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic following an increase in the number of cases reported in the country from Monday, September 28. A nightly curfew between the hours of 22:00 to 05:00 (local time) will be implemented in municipalities that are experiencing 14-day infection rates of more than 1200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Additionally, all restaurants and cafes will remain closed and indoor gatherings with individuals from different households remain banned. As of September 27, Niksic, Andrijevica, and Berane are included in these restrictions.

In municipalities that have a 14-day infection rate of 800 - 1199 cases per 100,000, all restaurants and cafes are to remain closed, while indoor gatherings with individuals from different households are banned. As of September 27, Rozjae is the only municipality included in these restrictions.

In municipalities that have a 14-day infection rate of 400 - 799 cases per 100,000, all restaurants and cafes are required to close by 22:00. As of September 27, Budva, Podgorica, and Plevlja are included in these restrictions.

As of September 28, there have been 10,313 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, with 158 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.