Crisis HQ's new measures: Masks outdoors as well, big celebrations forbidden, "stewards" introduced

A session of the Crisis HQ for the fight against coronavirus was held in the Palace of Serbia today, at which the current epidemiological situation in the country was discussed, which has worsened in the last few days. Stricter measures have been adopted, masks are obligatory in the open, and larger celebrations are prohibited, Dr. Darija Kisic Tepavcevic, epidemiologist and deputy director of the Batut Institute of Public Health of Sebia, said after the session.

"As we all know, we are now in the season of respiratory infections when they spread most easily. It is now the period of the year the coronavirus can spread most easily. When it comes to general preventive measures of distancing and wearing masks, they have proven to be good everywhere in the world. When it comes to the current epidemiological situation in our country, we are witnessing that the number of infected is slowly growing. The situation is much more favorable than in all countries in Europe, but that must not comfort us because this virus has a great potential for rapid spread and it is up to us to stop it.

In line with that, the measures we adopted today are to tighten all previous measures in terms of controlling their implementation. Although the limit of gatherings was up to 30, there were examples in all cities in Serbia where various celebrations were organized, and as of today, local governments will ban such gatherings," said Darija Kisic Tepavcevic.

She added that masks are also mandatory outdoors.

"Masks should be worn by everyone, constantly and at every opportunity, including in open spaces. To encourage each other to use this measure keeping in mind that it is extremely effective. Also, bearing in mind that the number of people in whom the presence of the virus has been confirmed is increasing, and that the number of hospitalizations is growing, the (Belgrade) Arena will be ready to receive patients starting on Monday. We must put the emphasis on temporary hospitals," she said and repeated, masks everywhere, all the time, by everyone.

She said that opening hours of hospitality establishments remains until 11 pm.

"It is obligatory to enter with a mask. It can be taken off once seated. What is also important, from today, is that all service facilities must have a person, a responsible person, whose job is to strictly implement epidemiological measures," said Kisic Tepavcevic.

Last week, Serbia entered the third wave of coronavirus, which started from Belgrade, where Covid 19 was diagnosed the most on a daily basis. Jumps in the number of newly infected were also recorded in Kragujevac, Valjevo, and yesterday in Nis. In the last two days, the total number of new cases in Serbia exceeded 200 per day.

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(Telegraf.rs)