May 13 (SeeNews) - North Macedonia's government has adopted a three-phase plan for gradual relaxation of the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country, prime minister Oliver Spasovski said.
The first phase foresees the opening of shopping malls, betting shops, driving schools and educational centres as of Wednesday, Spasovski told a press conference streamed on the government's YouTube channel on Tuesday. In addition, international travel for work purposes will be allowed for certain citizens, the prime minister said.
Other businesses are expected to gradually reopen in the second and third phases of the plan.
Spasovski dismissed as incorrect reports in local media that bars and restaurants too will reopen. The authorities will present a plan for these businesses next week, he added.
North Macedonia confirmed its first case of coronavirus on February 26. To limit the coronavirus outbreak, the country imposed a nationwide curfew, ordered the closure of the two international airports and banned foreigners from entering the country, among other things.
The state of emergency imposed due to the pandemic on March 18 is ending on May 16.
The country has confirmed a total of 1,674 coronavirus cases, including 92 deaths, as of May 12, health minister Venko Filipce said in a Twitter post.