Montenegro: Montenegro to open borders to certain countries from June 1 /update 10

Event

Authorities temporarily reimposed restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Rozaje municipality on Saturday, June 20, following an increase in locally detected cases. The Montenegrin government announced that all public gatherings of more than two people are prohibited. Authorities also stated that the Vuča-Godovo border crossing with Serbia will also be closed until further notice following after findings suggested that 26 out of the 31 cases recorded were imported from Serbia. Security forces will also be deployed to the district's border with Serbia to enforce the closure.

Montenegro's borders reopened on June 1, but only for countries that meet certain criteria. Specifically, only citizens of countries with fewer than 25 active COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents will be eligible to visit Montenegro. A full list of eligible countries can be found here.

Although Montenegrin authorities have eased some COVID-19 measures, a number of restrictions remain in place. The wearing of facemasks in public spaces and on public transport remains mandatory. Public gatherings of more than 200 people are also prohibited.

To date, health authorities have confirmed 359 COVID-19 cases and nine associated deaths in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.