July 22 (SeeNews) - Montenegro's infectious diseases body has declared a COVID-19 epidemic throughout the country as active cases reached 1,920 just two months after announcing it is coronavirus-free.
"Wearing protective masks outdoors and indoors is mandatory throughout Montenegro, including for children older than seven years, except on beaches and in national parks," the National Coordinating Body for Infectious Diseases said in a government statement late on Tuesday.
Gathering of persons is limited to a maximum of 40 persons outdoors, and to 20 persons indoors, while the prohibition for the work of disco clubs and nightclubs, as well as for weddings, graduation and birthday parties, was extended to July 30, the coordinating body said.
Montenegro declared on June 2 the end of the COVID-19 epidemic announced in March after 28 days without new cases. On May 25, President Milo Djukanovic said Montenegro is a coronavirus-free destination and the government opened borders for tourists from a range of countries.
The country reported on June 14 the first COVID-19 case since May 5. Since then the number of new cases has been constantly growing. A total of 98 new cases were reported on Tuesday.