Serbia Declares State of Emergency: Schools and Borders Closed, the Elderly on Lockdown

Virus

The decision to declare state of emergency in Serbia came into force on March 16, by which educational institutions have been shut down, borders closed, and all citizens over 65 years of age forced to remain in their homes, while Belgrade public transportation schedule has been altered and reduced.

Serbian borders are now closed to all foreign nationals expect accredited diplomats in Serbia and foreigners with residence permits, The government has announced. Serbian citizens, accredited diplomats and residence permit holders are obliged to remain in self-isolation for at least 14 days upon their arrival in Serbia, while the isolation period for those coming from Switzerland, Iran, Romania, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia and Greece is 28 days.

“[Adherence to] this measure will be strictly controlled and violations will be severely sanctioned. Everyone entering the country will be handed a legally binding order. Violation of this order is punishable by up to three years in prison,” the announcement said.

According to the statement, kindergartens, elementary and high schools, as well as universities will be closed “until further notice,” while the enrollment of students will be done via euprava.gov.rs, an online government portal.

The state of emergency does not mean that there will be cessation of work in the private and public sector, the statement says, but the employers have been advised to organize work in such a way that everyone who can works from home. The citizens are also advised to stay at home, avoid gatherings and visits, and leaving their homes unless absolutely unnecessary, with the exception of going to the grocery stores or pharmacies, walking their pets and throwing out the trash.