Minister of Health Armend Zemaj has taken special decisions for the seven municipalities in Kosovo with the highest rates of coronavirus infections, in addition to the anti-COVID-19 measures approved by the Government earlier on Friday.

In Prishtina, Fushe Kosove, Gjilan, Obiliq, Gjakova, Podujeva and Shtime, the entry and exit of vehicles is prohibited from 20:00 on Friday until 05:00 on Monday. 

Exceptions apply to health and safety personnel and citizens with medical needs. Transport for the supply of essential goods and the supply chain will also be permitted to travel, as will companies performing public works.

According to the Ministry of Health, Kosovo Police will provide rigorous inspections at the entry and exit of these municipalities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Citizens found violating these measures will be subject to punitive measures outlined in the Law on Combating COVID-19 in Kosovo. On Thursday, more than 1,000 fines were issued to Kosovo citizens under this law.

Coronavirus cases have soared in Kosovo in recent weeks. On Friday, the National Institute of Public Health, NIPH, announced that 728 new coronavirus cases were recorded from 1,827 tests performed in the previous 24 hours, marking a new record of cases in a single day.

The NIPH reported that 12 patients testing positive for coronavirus have died in the previous 24 hours, while 41 are reported to have died since Monday.