Montenegro: Montenegro to open borders to certain countries from June 1 /update 9

Event

The Government of Montenegro announced on Sunday, May 24, that the country has reported no new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since May 5. The government then announced on Monday, May 25, that Montenegro's borders will reopen from Monday, June 1, but only for countries that meet certain criteria. Specifically, countries with fewer than 25 active COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents will be eligible to visit Montenegro.

Separately, Montenegrin authorities announced on Friday, May 15, that some COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted, including previous overnight movement bans. Catering facilities and shopping malls have been permitted to reopen as of May 15; however, cinemas remain closed. Catering facilities and shopping malls have only been permitted to reopen if they enforce social-distancing restrictions.

Additionally, beaches have reopened; however, social-distancing measures still apply. A 2 m (7 ft) distance is required in shops and while queueing to enter. A one-way system is to be obeyed where possible. Indoor and outdoor sports activities are allowed to resume and sports competitions will be allowed from Saturday, May 30; however, stadiums will remain empty.

To date, health authorities have confirmed 324 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.