Montenegro: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related restrictions in several cities March 2 amid rising infection rates /update 28

Montenegro tightens COVID-19 restrictions in Podgorica and other cities from March 2; business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities have imposed stringent restrictions in several cities from March 2 in response to increasing COVID-19 cases. Residents of Podgorica, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Niksic, Pluzine, and Ulcinj are not permitted to travel outside their municipalities except for work, study, or medical purposes; moreover, catering outlets are closed. Similar measures were already in effect for the municipalities of Budva and Tivat, where all nonessential businesses have also closed. The restrictions will last until at least March 10. Additionally, the following existing restrictions remain in effect nationwide:

A daily 2100-0500 curfew is in force; residents may only leave their homes for essential purposes during this time.
Intercity traffic is prohibited from 2100 Fridays to 0500 Mondays.
Most public gatherings are prohibited; registered gatherings are possible up to a maximum of 25 people.
Nonessential businesses and services may operate between 0700-1800.
Where permitted to open, catering establishments may operate between 0700-1800; bars and clubs must remain closed.
Individuals must wear protective face coverings in indoor and outdoor public spaces and maintain at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) of physical distancing.

Travelers arriving from Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, India, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the previous 72 hours. Montenegrin nationals and residents may enter from those countries without a test if they instead submit to a 14-day self-isolation period. Travelers from other countries may enter without restriction.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming 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. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.