A decision issued by the Kosovo Government on Wednesday has placed further restrictions on freedom of movement, public gatherings and the operation of certain businesses across Kosovo.

All people are now required to wear masks during activities outside their place of residence, and maintain two metres of distance from others while in public. All people working in public and private institutions are required to provide hand sanitizer upon entry to their premises and wear masks when they are working in areas accessible to the public. 

The new measures have been introduced following a significant increase in recorded cases of people with COVID-19 over the last week. According to the National Institute of Public Health, between 6 July and 12 July, 1,423 people have tested positive in Kosovo.

Public and private kindergartens have been closed down, the decision states, and recreational, cultural and sporting activities have been cancelled across the entire country. Shopping centres are authorised to be open between 05:00 and 21:00.

The Kosovo Government has also decided to prohibit gatherings of more than five people in squares, public parks and similar areas, as well as suspending the work of public car and animal markets and religious ceremonies.

The decision has also expanded the list of municipalities where curfews are in place. Gjilan, South Mitrovica, Fushe Kosove and Strpce have joined Prishtina, Ferizaj, Vushtrri and Prizren, where movement restrictions are in force between 21:00 and 05:00, obliging residents to be in their homes during this period. This rule does not apply for health emergencies, those seeking assistance in cases of domestic violence, or if there has been a death in the family.

Citizens of North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro will be required to present paperwork showing that they have tested negative for COVID-19 that was taken no more than 72 hours before their entry into Kosovo. These three countries have also required that citizens of Kosovo take a test before entry into their territory. 

Testing will not be required for travellers from these countries entering Kosovo through Prishtina International Airport ‘Adem Jashari,’ provided that they have signed a declaration that they will leave Kosovo territory three hours after their arrival.