Kosovo: Curfews reintroduced in several cities July 6 /update 6

Event

The Kosovan government announced that curfews will be reintroduced in a number of cities from Monday, July 6, in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Curfews will be in place from 21:00 and 05:00 (local time) in Pristina, Ferizaj, Prizren, and Vushtrri. The curfew had originally been introduced in March and had been lifted on June 1; however, there has been a rise in cases since measures were relaxed.

Authorities also stated that cafes, bars, restaurants, and clubs can remain open until 21:00. They also encouraged public and private organizations to operate with essential staff only.

Authorities announced the reopening of some of Kosovo's land borders on July 1. All crossings into Albania, the Kulla crossing into Montenegro, the Hani I Elzit crossing into North Macedonia and the Merdarë/Merdare, Dheu I Bardhë/Bela Zemlja, and Jarinjë/Jarinje crossing points into Serbia have all been reopened as of July 1. However, restrictions on entry into neighboring countries may apply.

Airports in Kosovo were reopened on June 28 and the resumption of limited international flights. All travelers entering the country are recommended to have evidence of a negative RT-PCR test, that is no older than four days.

As of July 6, health authorities have confirmed 3508 COVID-19 cases with 75 associated deaths in the country. Further 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 the global outbreak 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.