State of emergency lifted

Members of the Serbian National Assembly voted last night to lift the state of emergency, which had been in force since 15 March following the declaration of the Covid-19 epidemic.

In practice, this means that as of today there is no longer a curfew, that is, a ban on movement which had been in effect for nearly two months, from 17, or from 18 o’clock every day, often with “locked-down” weekends as well.

From today, pensioners are no longer restricted in their freedom of movement either. They may go for a walk whenever they wish, but, like everyone else, should follow the measures prescribed by epidemiological experts.

Thus, pensioners, like everyone else, are advised not to walk in groups, and an additional recommendation from the Crisis Response Team is that older people spend as much time as possible at home. The two-meter distancing rule also remains in force, so all Serbian citizens will have to avoid contact such as handshakes and hugs for the time being.

“The ban on contact remains in force; that is the most important thing to remember. We must keep in mind that we have to protect people over 65 years of age. It is not only up to them to protect themselves; we must protect them too,” epidemiologist Predrag Kon said.

Online classes, introduced during the state of emergency, will continue. The Ministry of Education has issued a lengthy list of measures every school will have to take when childcare for children up to 12 years of age begins operating on 11 May.

Kindergartens in Serbia will resume operations on Monday, after a break of almost two months, on 11 May, and parents must also fulfill certain obligations for their children to return to these groups. In addition to kindergartens, which will have to comply with certain measures because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 19, here are a few things parents must do before sending their children back to kindergarten.

Attending large family gatherings such as weddings, birthdays and christenings is not recommended at least until 15 June. Epidemiologist Dr Srđa Janković warns that as long as the virus is present, every large gathering poses a risk.

Accordingly, cinemas and theaters will not reopen before 31 May. A maximum of 20 people will be allowed to gather outdoors, so sporting events with spectators will not be held either.

Public transport is starting to operate in most cities, but special conditions will apply here too, at least in the initial phase. Only employees will be allowed on buses, meaning passengers with a monthly Bus Plus employee pass or a periodic pass, but they must have confirmation from their employer that they are required to come to work. Of course, all public transport users will have to wear masks and gloves—otherwise they will not be allowed to board.

In the second phase, when universities resume operations, university students will also be allowed on city buses; later, school pupils will be permitted, and finally, in the fourth phase, city transport will also be available to people over 65 years of age.

If you’ve been longing to shop at a mall, starting tomorrow you’ll be able to visit your favorite stores. However, special conditions will apply to both shoppers and shopkeepers.

The rule requiring us to wear masks and gloves also applies when visiting hospitality venues, which began operating at the start of this week. It applies both to us and to employees in cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

Blic