April 14, 2020 - Nine new cases of COVID-19 were registered in Montenegro today, bringing the total to 283. Last night, at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, another male patient, aged 79, lost his battle with the coronavirus, bringing the death toll to four in our country. Over 7,000 people are under medical surveillance, while 465 are quarantined.
The new cases were registered today in Podgorica (5), Bar (2), Ulcinj (1), and Niksic (1). Most new coronavirus infected patients are contacts of previously known cases, while the source is unknown for three patients.
A group of Montenegrin and Russian nationals who arrived in Montenegro yesterday was quarantined at the Karisma Hotel in Ulcinj, as well as a group of our citizens who came from the United States a few days ago, Dr. Vesna Miranovic, deputy health minister and a member of the National Coordination Body for Infective Deseases (NKT) told CdM.
Number of COVID-19 patients by municipalities:
Podgorica: 152
Sad: 36
Niksic: 33
Bar: 23
Ulcinj: 12
Andrijevica: 7
Bijelo Polje: 6
Herceg Novi: 6
Budva: 4
Danilovgrad: 3
Tivat: 3
Easter should be celebrated at home, no religious gatherings
As Easter is approaching and Montenegrin Orthodox families are preparing to celebrate it, Dr. Boban Mugoša, head of the Institute of Public Health, noted that at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, every public gathering is risky, especially when it comes to religious ones.
He told the press today that the medics team had a meeting with representatives of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral, MCP, which received clear instructions regarding this matter. Dr. Mugoša told the MCP that the church must say to their worshippers to stay at home so that everyone stays safe and healthy.
On a side note, Rector of Cetinje, Gojko Perovic, assessed yesterday that there are ways to organize Easter services, which would meet the needs of worshippers and, at the same time, adhere to the recommendations and orders. Dr. Mugoša commented on this statement, noting that religious gatherings pose the highest risk to the spread of the coronavirus. “Any gathering, religious, or any other mass gathering, might lead to greater epidemiological risk. Said too risky to allow it to happen, ” Dr. Mugosa said.
"The police, together with other competent authorities, will ensure consistent observance of orders and measures to prevent the spread of coronaviruse. It includes the measure stipulating that religious rites in religious buildings should be performed exclusively without the presence of believers," said Director of the Police Directorate Veselin Veljovic at Twitter.
"Any attempt to violate orders and measures will be vigorously prevented by the police and prosecuted by those responsible for endangering public health in accordance with the law, without exception," Veljovic said.
Residents of Tuzi released from the mandatory 21-day quarantine
Residents of Tuzi have been released from compulsory 21-day quarantine, as the National Coordination Body decided last night to ease lockdown coronavirus measures in this town.
President of this municipality, Nik Djeljošaj, thanked residents for adhering to the limitations of the National Coordination Body (NKT) and announced that new rules would be in place for the next seven days.
Nik Djeljošaj, Mayor of Tuzi, Source: RTCG
The NKT eased the lockdown measures in Tuzi, so one member of a family will be allowed to go out, while pharmacies and supermarkets will be open from 8 am to 2 pm.
Speaking to RTCG's TV show 'Arguments,' Djeljošaj announced that after this time, they were going to consider the situation in this town again and make decisions accordingly.
Djeljosaj also noted that Tuzi residents still have to be vigilant and try not to destroy everything they have reached over the past 21 days.
European Commission reacts to the release of confidential information on COVID-19 patients
The European Union is concerned about the recent leak of personal information on patients infected with COVID-19, the European Commission said.
European Commission spokeswoman Ana Pisonero Hernandez told RTCG's National Public Service that they expect a quick and effective prosecution inquiry. "We have noted with great concern a breach of the confidentiality of the personal data of persons infected with COVID-19. We expect a prompt and decisive response from the Montenegrin authorities. The initial step the prosecution has taken must continue effectively, "Pisonero Hernandez said.
Commenting on misinformation and whether it is the best way to combat panic among citizens, the EU calls for a balanced and proportionate response.
"The EU calls on the Montenegrin authorities to strike the right balance between respecting freedom of expression and acting when trying to avoid the spread of panic and fake news in these difficult times. Freedom of speech is a fundamental value of the EU and a crucial element of Montenegro's EU accession process, "the European Commission said.
Nearly seven and a half million euros in donations to fight COVID-19 in Montenegro
The Government of Montenegro announced that up to 7,412,604.17 euros and $70,971.72 had been paid into the account of the National Coordination Body for Infective Diseases (NKT) until yesterday. Up to now, €1,351,371.59 has been used to fight the coronavirus.
Following the Decision of the Government of Montenegro, the balance of the NKT account with inflows and outflows will be updated every Monday and available on the website of the Government of Montenegro and the specialized portal www.coronainfocg.me.
Source: Government of Montenegro, Vijesti Online, CDM English, RTCG
