This is Belgrade on the first day of new lockdown: Streets deserted, single "guest" in cafe's garden

With the padlock once again being put on hospitality industry establishments and most stores, and as the weather is not favorable for Belgraders right now anyway, the streets of the capital were almost deserted this morning.

The largest pedestrian zone in the city, which is usually teeming with people at any time of the day, was almost completely empty. The doors to cafes were locked, and the stacked chairs will again be available to patrons perhaps only on Monday. Instead of open doors, passers-by were greeted by lowered metal shutters on boutique stores.

The sole "guest" who was allowed to sit in a cafe's garden was gray, with perked ears and a soft coat - a street cat, seemingly unhappy with the fact that there was no one there to pet him.

Since apart from restaurants and cafes, most retail facilities are also closed, the fact that many did didn't get to go to work this morning also contributed to the decrease in the number of people in the streets.

Only a few cars were noticeable in main roads, there were no crowds in the buses, while only a few passengers waited at bus stops.

Since the weather is not exactly the warmest, the parks are empty, too, and there aren't many customers in green markets, which remain one of a few options for shopping. The new measures also cover hairdressing salons, so Belgraders are denied this service as well.

Due to the decision of the Crisis HQ for combating coronavirus, everything is closed in Serbia except stores selling food, pharmacies, post and exchange offices - and gas stations but only for the purpose of selling fuel - and these protocols will be in force until Monday, when the Crisis HQ will be deciding again on whether to extend or lift them.

(Telegraf.rs)