North Macedonia: Authorities to slightly ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from April 28 /update 30

North Macedonia to slightly ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from April 28. Business disruptions remain possible.

Event

Authorities in North Macedonia plan to slightly ease the nation's domestic COVID-19-related restrictions. Starting April 28, the country's curfew will start one hour later, with new curfew hours running 21:00-05:00. Individuals must remain at home during curfew hours unless they are performing essential work duties, traveling to or from airports, or attending to urgent medical needs. Authorities have indicated that there will be no curfew on May 1 for Orthodox Easter or on May 13 for the end of Ramadan celebrations. Also starting April 28, restaurants and other catering establishments will be allowed to reopen their outdoor areas. Furthermore, authorities are lifting the suspension on seminars, conferences, training sessions, and similar events.

Both indoor and outdoor public gatherings remain limited to four people. All gyms and sporting centers remain closed. Most other businesses and facilities are permitted to operate, provided they implement certain hygienic and social distancing measures. Facemasks must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces, as well as in areas where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) is not possible.

International Entry Restrictions
All passengers arriving from any African country must self-isolate for 14 days. North Macedonia's land borders remain open. International flights are operating; individuals arriving via air may be subject to health screening on arrival and may have to undergo quarantine if displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

Authorities could extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Confirm all public transportation and business appointments. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Prepare for freight delivery disruptions. Consider delaying or detouring goods.