Several weeks of improvement of the epidemiological situation in Serbia have created the conditions for mitigating restrictive measures. The situation is drastically better than it was in March and April. That is why easing of measures in Belgrade was the next logical step forward. What are those measures? Find out below.
For several weeks in a row, there has been a noticeable improvement in the epidemic in Serbia. The Crisis Staff did not want to make a decision too soon that might break that trend. However, now was the time to change that. Employees in the field of catering, hoteliers, and tourist workers are satisfied with this news. The decisions mostly concern their business. Those who managed to survive the previous year will have the opportunity to reopen their doors to their guests again.
Is everything back to normal?
Not yet. Restaurants and other catering establishments opened their indoor spaces. Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to reopen but are subject to strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Gatherings of more than five people remain prohibited and facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) cannot be observed.
From May 7 restaurants can work indoors, until 10 pm, but with 50 percent of capacity (indoors) and without music after 6 pm. As for nightclubs, they remain closed until further notice. However, there are realistic expectations, in line with the furthermore favorable development of the epidemiological situation.
Entry restrictions
Additionally, certain entry restrictions remain in force for international travelers. Upon arrival, all incoming travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test. It should be old no more than 48 hours. Travelers arriving from the US may show the results from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before travel.
Serbian nationals and residents who enter the country without a test must undergo a 10-day self-isolation period instead. All travelers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Hungary, and Montenegro are exempt from entry restrictions.
The improvement of the coronavirus situation in Belgrade allowed the airport to fully resume operations. Most of the flights are back to schedule. For any further information about the flights, consult your airline.
If you are planning to travel, you can find all the necessary information HERE.
Vaccination in Serbia
With the development of a wide range of Covid-19 vaccines, countries have been accelerating their vaccination efforts. Serbia launched its campaign on January 19. It has since positioned itself as the eighth globally and third in Europe for the share of the population that has received at least one dose. It is nearly one-third of its citizens. The country also has the highest fully vaccinated population share in Europe.
Easing of measures in Belgrade
Catering facilities from May 7 can work indoors. However, the prescribed distance should be maintained. Places that work normally are:
- Malls and shops,
- Cinemas, museums, and galleries,
- Cosmetics, hairdressers, and beauty salons,
- Swimming pools, gyms, and sports centers.
The staff at all venues is working really hard to protect everyone’s safety. So please be mindful and follow their directions at all times. Together, we can slow down the spread of coronavirus and protect public health.
There are also some things that are not yet possible. Places that will stay closed are nightclubs. Organization of big celebrations is still not possible. Also, a ban on a gathering of more than 5 people is still in force.
Wearing masks is mandatory indoors, as well as maintaining a distance of 1.5-2 m. As explained, there will be rigorous control of compliance with the measures. Rigorous sanctions will be insisted on, too.
We hope that the situation will improve soon. Maybe the new measures will be more relaxed within days. Feel free to contact us at any moment. As always, we will do our best to provide you with the most recent update. We will also let you know if any new measures have been implemented in meanwhile.
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