Warning Alert
North Macedonia to ease coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions for citizens of several neighboring countries from Oct. 12.
Alert Begins 06 Oct 2020 07:30 PM UTC
Alert Expires 31 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide (map)
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Business and transport disruptions
Summary
Authorities in North Macedonia plan to ease certain coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related entry restrictions for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro. Effective Oct. 12, travelers from these countries will no longer be required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Nevertheless, the government in Skopje continues to urge persons from these countries to only enter North Macedonia for essential purposes; it remains unclear what authorities define as essential.
Officials had previously opened the country's land borders and permitted international flights to resume. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to resume operations provided they implement hygiene and social distancing measures. Many public educational facilities remain closed. Facemasks must be worn in most enclosed public spaces and where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) cannot be observed.
Authorities could extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Reconfirm all public transportation and business appointments. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Prepare for freight delivery disruptions. Consider delaying or detouring goods.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
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