Kosovo has reinstated mandatory face masks in public as the country sees a surge in coronavirus infected cases.
The Hoti government adopted the decision during its 13th virtual meeting, alongside a number of other preventative restrictions.
Citizens will also be obligated to maintain a 2m distance from each other in public spaces. Gatherings of more than 5 people in public spaces like squares and parks are now banned.
Public institutions and private businesses will be required to be equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers and masks at their entrances, so that they will be easy to access by employees and visitors.
Seniors citizens (those over 65 years old) and the chronically ill (people who suffer from diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions, chronic respiratory conditions, kidney diseases, cancer, and the immuno-compromised) will only be allowed outside from 5am to 10am and from 6pm to 9pm.
In addition to Prishtina, Ferizaj, Prizren, and Vushtrria, citizens of South Mitrovica, Gjilan, Fushë Kosovë and Shtërpcë will only be able to leave their homes from 5am to 9pm, with the exception of medical emergencies.
Malls and shopping centers will also only be allowed to operate from 5am to 9m, whereas public automobile and animal marketplaces will be shut down until further notice.
The government additionally has decided to close all public and private nurseries, as well as suspend recreational, cultural, and sporting events.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, on March 13, until July 12, Kosovo has reported 4931 coronavirus cases and 102 victims.
