Different New Year's Eve: Respect the measures and protect your health

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Due to the epidemiological measures in force because of the coronavirus pandemic, there will be no public gatherings for the New Year's Eve 2021. A movement restriction from 11 PM to 5 AM is in effect.

The Ministries of Internal Affairs and cantonal inspectorates have announced increased controls of catering facilities to check compliance with the measures and orders of the Federal Crisis Staff.

Wearing protective masks remains mandatory in both indoor and outdoor public spaces:

"The mandatory wearing of protective masks over the mouth and nose for the protection of the respiratory system is ordered in enclosed spaces, maintaining a distance of at least two meters, as well as in open spaces. Exceptions to wearing protective masks include children under six years of age, persons with breathing problems due to chronic diseases or who cannot remove the mask without the help of another person, e.g., persons with intellectual disabilities or developmental disorders, persons with hearing impairment, athletes during matches, training and sports activities, drivers of bicycles, electric scooters, and motorcycles," the Order states.

The recommendations of the Crisis Staff of the FBiH Ministry of Health have been extended to include the upcoming holidays, so citizens are recommended to minimize private gatherings during all upcoming holidays, as well as New Year's Eve 2021, and celebrate within their immediate family.

The Director of the Public Health Institute of Sarajevo Canton, Aida Pilav, stated today that the current indicators are better than those from October and November, but the epidemiological situation remains unstable and it is not a time for relaxation.

Prohibition measures and recommendations are in force until January 15 in Republika Srpska, where the number of infected people has also decreased in recent days.

The Crisis Staff for Protection and Rescue of Brčko District of BiH adopted an order on 12.17.2020, extending the current measures in the District due to COVID-19 until January 10, 2021, including the working hours of catering facilities and the curfew.

Movement of persons in the Brčko District of BiH is prohibited from 10 PM to 5 AM. This measure excludes all employees performing official duties or involved in the implementation of measures and activities related to the declaration of a natural disaster due to coronavirus, as well as employees in legal entities where work is carried out in shifts to ensure continuity of production.

Based on the decision of the Crisis Staff for Protection and Rescue, catering facilities, as well as betting shops, casinos, and other gambling operators, and gyms, fitness centers, sports schools, and recreational activities conducted indoors, will continue to operate until 7 PM.