Montenegro: Authorities introduce two-week overnight curfew from November 13 /update 13

Event

Montenegrin authorities announced on Friday, November 13, that a two-week nationwide overnight curfew has been implemented due to a rise in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country.

The overnight lockdown will be in effect from 23:00 to 05:00 (local time), only essential workers and medical emergencies will be excluded from the curfew. Health Minister Kenan Hrapovic further announced that the measures could be extended beyond the scheduled two-weeks.

Montenegrin authorities have also announced that all non-essential travel between municipalities will be prohibited during weekends, while most public gatherings remain banned.

As of November 13, there have been 25,509 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 364 associated fatalities in Montenegro. Further international spread of the virus is to expected.  

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.