The COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia is a current outbreak of the disease COVID-19 in Serbia caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Its first case in Serbia was reported on 6 March 2020, and confirmed by Minister of Health Zlatibor Lončar, the case was a 43-year-old man from Bačka Topola who had travelled to Budapest.As of 24 September 2020, a total of 1,099,022 individuals had been tested, of which there had been 33,163 confirmed cases, 745 deaths, and 294 hospitalized cases.
On 15 March (18:00), two more cases were confirmed. At 20:15 CET, the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić declared a nationwide state of emergency.Serbia closed its borders to all foreigners not living in Serbia, while Serbian citizens entering the country were required to self-quarantine for up to 28 days, or face criminal charges of three years in prison. All schools, faculties and kindergartens were also closed. On 19 March, fourteen more cases were confirmed: eight at (8:00)and six at (18:00). Two people recovered and were released from hospital. New protection measures were introduced, as of 20 March at 8 a.m.(08:00) all border crossings were closed for passengers entering Serbia by roads, railway and river traffic.
On 21 March, 36 new cases were confirmed: 14 at (08:00) and 22 at (18:00). As of 21 March new measures were put in place: all public transport was prohibited, the curfew was extended (previously from 20:00 to 05:00) to 17:00 – 05:00, also all business in shopping centres was prohibited except for grocer’s shops and chemist’s. All gatherings in public places and sports courts were also banned, as were gatherings of more than 5 people in private spaces. All catering facilities were ordered to operate for take-out food only and customers banned from entering their in-door premises, this also applied to gambling, car washes, playrooms and similar facilities.
On 30 August, one more death was confirmed, for a total of 711 since the start of the pandemic, 83 new cases were confirmed for a total of 31,365. A further 4,356 tests were conducted on this day, totaling 925,208 since the start of the pandemic. There were 626 active cases, out of those 48 were on ventilators.On 31 August, two more deaths were confirmed, for a total of 713 since the start of the pandemic, 41 new cases were confirmed for a total of 31,406. A further 5,829 tests were conducted on this day, totaling 931,037 since the start of the pandemic..On 24 September, one more death was confirmed, for a total of 745 since the start of the pandemic, 83 new cases were confirmed for a total of 33,163.
On 15 March, a state of emergency was declared. Many argue the declaration was against the constitution, since there was no debate among the MPs in the Serbian Parliament. Some experts argue an emergency situation could have been declared instead, some saying that state of an emergency was an overreaction. All schools, Kindergarten and universities are closed. On 18 March, a curfew from (20:00) to (05:00) was established across the whole country. In addition, people of the age of 65 and above were forbidden to leave the house, with fines up to rsd150.000 (approx. $1500usd).[In the first hours of curfew, several persons were arrested. One woman was forced to go home, after insulting police officers and refusing to comply with the measures of curfew.
On 7 July, Aleksandar Vučić has announced possible curfew between 18:00 and 06:00 from Friday to Monday. It is not yet clear if the curfew will affect only Belgrade or the whole country.On 17 March, citizens can postpone paying their mortgages for 90 days during the time of national state of emergency.On 26 March, employers can postpone paying taxes on suficit until June 30.On 31 March, Vučić announced that all the small and medium-sized companies will receive help for the following 3 months to “survive” under the condition that they don’t fire 10 percent of employees. All hairdressers shoemakers and bakers will receive a minimal wage (255.27€ as of January 2020) from the state. Every citizen older than 18, will receive 100 euros to support the spending and to support local businesses.
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