May 26 (SeeNews) - Montenegro plans to lift next month the coronavirus restrictions on the entry of citizens of foreign countries with a low incidence rate of the disease, including Croatia, Slovenia and Albania, prime minister Dusko Markovic has said.
"In the first days of June, the opening of borders with countries that meet the appropriate epidemiological criteria of the Montenegrin public health institute is expected. At the moment, it says that this is a maximum of 25 patients per 100,000 inhabitants and the first countries with which we will open the borders are: Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Albania, Greece," Markovic said in a statement on Monday.
The decision drew fire from the government of neighbouring Serbia, which announced plans to reopen its borders for Montenegrin citizens last week. "Serbia will not introduce reciprocal measures, but our citizens should not go where they are undesirable," Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic said in a statement on Tuesday.
Montenegro, which registered its first case of the disease 68 days ago, currently has no active cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Montenegro's health institute, a unit with the health ministry, said on Sunday.
Montenegro is the first country in Europe without new coronavirus infections and will now focus on the recovery of its economy, Markovic said on Monday.
"Our intention is to open kindergartens, pre-schools, playrooms, cinemas and theaters as early as next week; to enable a limited number of people to follow sports events while respecting protection measures. Baptisms, weddings, and family celebrations will be allowed," he said.
The country has recorded a total of 324 coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the disease on its territory in March. The authorities have reported nine deaths related to the virus. Foreigners are currently prohibited from entering the country, except for those permanently or temporarily residing in Montenegro.