15 Jan 2021 | 07:42 PM UTC
Kosovo: Authorities ease certain domestic coronavirus-related restrictions from Jan. 15 /update 18
Authorities in Kosovo ease certain coronavirus-related domestic restrictions from Jan. 15. Expect disruptions.
Event
Authorities in Kosovo are easing certain nationwide coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related restrictions from Jan. 15. Indoor public gatherings will now be limited to 30 people, while outdoor public gatherings are limited to 50 people; gatherings were previously limited to five people.
Authorities in Kosovo are also easing certain restrictions that are implemented on a municipal level and are based on the level of COVID-19 activity. Municipalities have been divided into three categories based on COVID-19 infection rates, namely the Green Zone, Yellow Zone, and Red Zone.
Green Zone (Low Risk): Municipalities with fewer than 75 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants. All businesses must close by 2200 from Jan. 15; businesses were previously required to close by 2000. Restaurants may remain open for takeout and delivery after 2200.
Yellow Zone (Medium Risk): Municipalities containing 76 to 150 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants. All businesses must close by 2200 from Jan. 15; businesses were previously required to close by 2000. Restaurants may remain open for takeout and delivery after 2200.
Red Zone (High Risk): Municipalities with more than 151 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants. A daily 2130-0500 curfew will replace the daily 2000-0500 curfew from Jan. 15; persons may leave their homes only for essential work and health emergencies in that period. Entry and exit to these municipalities are prohibited from 2130 on Friday until 0500 on Monday; persons seeking medical help, as well as those performing essential work, are exempt. The capital Pristina is considered a high-risk municipality as of Jan. 15.
The following restrictions remain in place nationwide:
Weddings and religious ceremonies remain prohibited.
Persons over the age of 65 may only leave their homes 0600-1000 and 1600-1900 daily.
Facemask coverings are mandatory in all enclosed and outdoor public spaces; social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) must be practiced where possible.
All higher education institutions must operate via distance learning.
People with chronic illnesses and pregnant women are excused from work.
Cultural establishments, such as theaters, galleries, cinemas, and libraries, are allowed to operate at 30-percent capacity.
International entry restrictions
Authorities are maintaining certain international entry restrictions as of Jan. 15. All travelers have to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no older than 72 hours upon arrival; those that do not possess such a test will need to self-isolate for seven days upon entry. Citizens of Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia are exempt from this measure; persons transiting through Kosovo are also exempt
Authorities could extend, reimpose, or otherwise amend any restrictions at any time based on disease activity over the coming days and weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
