Longest coronavirus curfew for Serbia looms large: 60-hour lockdown - here's what we need to know

How did it all begin, at what point was the curfew extended, and what are we all facing in this country, coming up this weekend?

The state of emergency has been in force since March 15 in Serbia, due to the coronavirus epidemic. Three days later a police curfew was introduced for all persons over the age of 65 in urban, and over 70 in rural areas, who have been banned from leaving their homes at all times.

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A curfew introduced later has had several changes in terms of duration, and now, as Telegraf has been able to confirm from top state officials - we are headed for the strictest version: a ban on movement around the clock - from this coming Friday, until the next Monday.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told RTS the previous night that he did not think we were either farther or closer to making the decision on a 24-hour ban on outdoor movement, and that this was being evaluated on a daily basis.

Asked if Belgrade would be isolated, he said that he did not rule out the possibility and that this was being discussed every day.

"In any case, we will make the decision quickly and efficiently," said Vucic, adding that the decision did not have to be announced 48 hours ahead - and that he did not think that was a problem. He also announced that the decision would apply to at least two cities in Serbia: Belgrade and Nis.

However, as it turns out now, this measure will apply to the whole of Serbia.

"Pensioners will be able to go shopping (for food) and farmers on their tractors will be exempted from this measure," Telegraf.rs has been able to confirm.

Although initially announced only for Belgrade ad Nis, this measire will be in force for all of Serbia. That means citizens will not be able to leave their homes starting on Friday at 5 pm, until Monday 5 am - and that's a total of 60 hours.

(Telegraf.rs)