Answers to questions everyone is asking about the state of emergency: What it means, whom it affects

As of Monday, the work of pre-schools, schools and higher education institutions is suspended

A state of emergency was introduced in Serbia on Sunday to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has so far infected 55 people in our country.

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The decision came into force immediately, and as of Monday, March 16, the work of preschools, schools and universities is suspended. Until further notice, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and universities in the Republic of Serbia will be closed.

According to a statement from the Serbian government, enrollment of children is proceeding normally through e-Government.

1) eKindergarten (Serbian: eVrtic) is available to everyone of Serbia,

2) eEnrollment (eUpis) will be active from April 1

3) A test-run of elementary school matriculation exam will be done using new technology

4) Classes will be conducted remotely through RTS3, the RTS Planet platform, as well as online learning platforms

Closed borders, mandatory isolation

The borders of the Republic of Serbia are closed to all foreign nationals, with the exception of diplomats accredited in Serbia and foreigners with a residence permit. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as accredited diplomats and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia entering the country are under obligation to remain in self-isolation for at least 14 days, under penalty of criminal responsibility.

This measure will be strictly controlled and its violation will be sanctioned most severely. Citizens will be provided with a legally binding decision upon entering the country. The prison penalty for violation of this provision will be up to three years. This is very important in order to reduce the movement of citizens, which is one of the main reasons for enforcing a state of emergency in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Who must spend 28 days in isolation

A 28-day isolation period is ordered for citizens of the Republic of Serbia and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia arriving to the country from Switzerland, Iran, Romania, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia and Greece.

"A state of emergency does not mean that the economy, work in private and public sectors will cease. It is recommended that employers organize the work process so that everyone who can do it from home does so. If it is not possible to work from home, the work process should be organized in such a way that all hygienic and technical measures for preventing the spread of contagion (limited number of people in a room, use of protective masks, etc.) are strictly observed," said a statement issued by the government of Serbia.

The government called on all employers in the Republic of Serbia to allow all their employees to work from home as much as possible.

"It is very important that we show solidarity at this point and that is why we urge employers to behave responsibly and have the necessary understanding for their employees. This is especially true of citizens whose children have stopped attending kindergartens and schools. All other details will be specified in supplementary acts that will be adopted," the government said.

Do not leave the house without urgent need

Citizens: self-isolation - no gatherings, no visits, no leaving the house without urgent need. Exceptions: going to the store or the pharmacy, walking your pets, or throwing out the trash. The recommendation for persons over 70 years of age is not to go out at all, and have younger family members cater to their needs.

How traffic will be affected

As explained, the state of emergency will also affect public transport - night traffic will be abolished and daily public transport reduced.

More stringent controls have been introduced, so inspectors will be checking if the newly introduced measures are violated. Namely, a limit has been imposed on the allowed increase in prices of basic food items and protective equipment, so severe penalties will be imposed on anyone hiking prices during the state of emergency.

"It is possible to raise prices only within the limits of the annual inflation rate," the government said.

The appeal to everyone, and especially our oldest fellow citizens, is to take strict care, not leave the house, and follow all the instructions for the sake of preserving their own health and that of their loved ones.

"The government of the Republic of Serbia is fully committed to combating the spread of COVID-19, is monitoring the situation in the country, the region and the world from minute to minute and will be promptly informing you about everything, making all necessary decisions in order to preserve your health," the statement concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)