Kosovo: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions November 1 /update 8

Event

Following a government meeting on Sunday, November 1, a number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions have been introduced across Kosovo. Those over 65 years of age will only be able to leave their homes in the morning between 06:00 and 10:00 (local time) and between 16:00 and 19:00 in the afternoon. Restaurants, cafes, and other gastronomic services will be prohibited from operating between 21:00 and 05:00, except for providing takeaway services. Shopping malls will also be required to close during these times. All higher education institutions are required to conduct teaching online.

Other measures imposed on September 25 remain in place, including entry restrictions for foreign nationals from 'high risk' countries. Gatherings of more than five persons in public places are prohibited, as are other large congregations such as weddings, seminars, workshops, and family parties. Religious ceremonies are permitted with social distancing measures in place. Other cultural establishments such as theatres, galleries, cinemas, and libraries are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity. Gyms can operate at up to 40 percent capacity and the number of permitted participants in sporting activities has been restricted to 20 people, dropping from a previous cap of 30.

As of Monday, November 2, health officials have confirmed 20,179 cases of COVID-19 and 688 associated deaths in Kosovo. Further international 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.