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September 25, 2020 - The National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases (NKT) has decided to follow the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro (IPH) and several municipal crisis headquarters' suggestions to start implementing new restrictive epidemiological measures depending on the epidemiological situation in each local area.
"According to the IPH methodology, the decisions on restrictive measures will be based on monitoring a fourteen-day cumulative incidence (CI). This rate and its movement, which in epidemiology is a measure of disease risk, is divided by the number of new COVID-19 cases per municipality and is expressed per 100,000 inhabitants," announced the NKT.
In local areas where the 14-day rate is less than 400, strict compliance and strict control of the implementation of valid epidemiological measures continue.
In local areas where the 14-day rate is between 400 and 799, in addition to the valid measures, NKT is to restrict the operation of catering facilities after 10 pm.
Limitations on the working conditions of catering facilities:
- Maximum of two people to be at one table both inside and outside the facility (terraces, gardens, etc.);
- A distance of at least one meter to be maintained from chair to chair when persons are sitting at tables facing away from each other.
In local areas where the 14-day rate is between 800 and 1,199, alongside measures already in place:
The operation of catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants) is prohibited, except for those provided for hotel guests;
Persons who are not members of a joint family household are forbidden from gathering in residential buildings.
In local areas where the 14-day rate is higher than 1,200, alongside measures already in place:
it is forbidden to leave the residential building from 22:00 to 05:00 with defined exceptions that were valid during the previous period: children with autism spectrum disorders; persons using wheelchairs accompanied by one person, for a maximum of 60 minutes a day, persons performing regular work tasks in activities permitted by orders, employees of foreign diplomatic and consular missions, persons providing services of public interest that are deemed indispensable (health, inspection bodies, police, army, security services, fire services, utilities, media - including guests on media shows, agricultural activities on farms, etc.), as evidenced by a certificate issued by the employer; those working for persons who due to illness, condition or consequence of injury are not able to independently perform daily activities - this should be proven by a certificate issued by the chosen doctor of such persons; and persons exercising pets, for a maximum of 60 minutes a day;
The operation of catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants) is prohibited, except for those provided for hotel guests;
Visits to the homes of persons who are not members of the same household are prohibited.
NKT explained that the CI rate is determined by the IPH and is published on its website once a week, on Saturday mornings.
"The application of restrictions depending on the determined CI rate starts on the third day from the announcement of the specified rate, ie, on Mondays at 00:00. The decision on possible mitigation of measures is made automatically every 14 days, depending on the movement of grades. At the same time, analysis on tightening any restrictions is performed weekly in line with rate changes," the statement said.
According to current data, which does not include new cases that will be detected by the end of today, the strictest measures will be implemented following the situation in Niksic, Berane, and Andrijevica, starting on Monday.
The beginning of the school year
The NKT stated that considering the epidemiological situation and conditions for the upcoming return to school, they have instructed the Ministry of Education to intensify activities and to review and determine all relevant parameters and inform the public in detail about all aspects of the beginning of the school year by next Monday (September 28, 2020).
"Competent inspection bodies, primarily the Sanitary and Health Inspectorate, are in charge of monitoring the fulfillment of conditions for regular teaching in the context of compliance with epidemiological measures by the beginning of the school year. To prevent the spread of coronavirus among children and students, the NKT has decided to change the appropriate order that the obligation to wear protective masks applies to children over five years old," stated the NKT.
Inspection bodies to closely monitor compliance with the measures
The NKT said that inspection bodies, both at the state and local level, were once again called upon to consistently and continuously monitor the implementation of valid epidemiological measures and regularly report to the public on these results.
September 24, 2020 - The epidemiological situation in Montenegro is becoming more complicated every day. The number of new cases of COVID-19 infection is not decreasing. On the contrary, the Institute of Public Health is registering nearly 300 new patients daily, and the problem is the local transmission.
The Institute of Public Health informed yesterday that out of 862 analyzed samples, they registered 290 new COVID-19 cases, and five patients died due to the infection. The day before, PCR analysis of 749 samples reported 296 new patients, and eight people died. There are currently 3549 COVID-19 cases active in Montenegro. Since the beginning of the first wave of the epidemic, the Institute reported 9428 patients.
Montenegro is still in first place in the region in terms of actively infected with COVID-19 per 100 thousand inhabitants - 563, and it has the most infected per million inhabitants - 14,965. With 45 per 100 thousand inhabitants, it also leads in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In terms of mortality rate, Montenegro's situation, with a percentage of 1.6 percent concerning the number of infected, is the most favorable than the region's states.
"At the moment, the level of local transmission in our country is such that the import of cases from abroad does not represent a significant increase in the epidemiological risk of further spread of the infection," said the assistant director of the Institute of Public Health, Dr. Senad Begic.
"Therefore, it is not justified to expect that measures to ban international travel or a ban on arrivals from Serbia or other countries, will be introduced. Such actions would not affect, because they have no epidemiological meaning ", added Begić for the portal nova.rs.
"Following the experiences from the surrounding countries, Europe and the world and comparative practice, and especially following the available results of scientific studies, including those in the field of social sciences, it is clear that measures to close the country have long-term anti-epidemic effects. They also cause more significant damage to both the economy and many health aspects than the anti-epidemic actions currently in force. Therefore, it is clear and proven that simple measures- wearing masks, keeping physical distance, regular hand hygiene- not only give results but are also sustainable measures that enable society to function, "Begic said.
Closure of cities, restriction of the right of movement for the entire population, and other draconian measures are only the last resort to be resorted to when it is noticed that illness and hospitalization indicators threaten to endanger the normal functioning of society and the health system. For now, such drastic measures are being avoided in Montenegro.
"It is possible that in some cities we will shorten the working hours of catering facilities. Or, eventually, close them. But we hope that with adequate control and insisting on implementing general prevention measures and a high degree of social responsibility, we will be able to avoid this scenario," concluded Begic.
September 23, 2020 - Aleksa Becic, the coalition "Peace is our nation" leader, was elected today the new President of the Parliament of Montenegro, supported by 45 of 81 deputies. The positions within the new majority's coalition partners were harmonized, and a request was sent to the President of the state, Milo Đukanović, to appoint prof. Dr. Zdravko Krivokapic, leader of the coalition "For the Future of Montenegro," the new government's prime minister-designate.
The new Parliament's first session was chaired by the oldest member of the new convocation, Miodrag Lekic, and assisted by the youngest, Maksim Vucinic. Some members of the Democratic Front did not attend the intonation of the national anthem of Montenegro.
At the beginning of the first New Assembly session, the Democratic Front announced support to the Civic Movement URA's proposals. Aleksa Becic to be a candidate for President of the Assembly, and Dr. Zdravko Krivokapic for the position of prime minister-designate, about which they were at least undefined at the yesterdays meeting in the Ostrog Monastery.
"All election activities were conducted following the law. I thank everyone who participated in that. Representatives of international organizations monitored the elections and did not identify major irregularities. There were 35 accredited media," said the President of the State Election Commission Aleksa at the beginning of the session. Ivanovic, after which the mandates of 81 deputies were verified.
The Social Democrats and the Bosniak Party won three seats each, the SDP two, the Black and White four mandates. The Albanian Coalition unanimously one seat, the DPS 30, the For the Future of Montenegro coalition 27, the Albanian List one, and the "Peace is Our Nation" coalition ten.
Forty-five deputies from the coalitions "For the Future of Montenegro," "Peace is our nation," "Black on White," the Bosniak Party (BS), and Nik Djelosaj from the Albanian list voted for the election of Becic. Liberal Party MP Andrija Popovic was against, and MPs from the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), Social Democrats (SD), Social Democratic Party MP Draginja Vuksanovic Stankovic, and Albanian coalition "Unanimously" member Fatmir Djeka abstained.
The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, who did not attend the first session of the Parliament in which DPS deputies sit in opposition benches for the first time, was sent a request today with the signatures of 41 deputies of the new parliamentary majority to appoint prof. Dr. Zdravko Krivokapić, the government's prime minister-designate.
The new President of the Montenegrin Parliament - Aleksa Becic
The holder of the parliamentary list of the coalition "Peace is our nation," Aleksa Becic is the President of Democratic Montenegro, whose deputies boycotted the Montenegrin Parliament after the 2016 elections, demanding changes to the election law and other conditions for the democratization of the election process.
Aleksa Becic started his political career in the Socialist People's Party. He resigned with his supporters in 2015, initiating the Democrats' establishment, of which he has been President since the beginning.
The new President of the Parliament of Montenegro was born in Cetinje on August 4, 1987. After primary and secondary school in Podgorica, he graduated from the Faculty of Economics in July 2010. He received his master's degree from the same faculty in March 2014, majoring in Accounting and Auditing.
In his first address after he is appointed President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Aleksa Becic said that he would "perform his duty according to the Constitution and the law, honestly, responsibly and conscientiously."
He also pointed out that it is an indescribable part and privilege to be elected President of the highest legislative and representative house, and at the same time, to be the first elected public official after the first democratic change of government in Montenegrin history.
"Gratitude for the election to colleagues from coalitions. Special gratitude to colleagues from minority parties, the Bosniak Party and the Albanian Electoral List, for their support and trust. Those who did not vote for me should know that I will fight for them even more. I will not attack, criticize, or declare them opponents of the state. I want the opposition to have a better status than we had," Becic said.
He added that without a quality opposition, there is no parliamentary democracy, saying that his main goal will be to strengthen the Parliament's control role.
"Parliament is the roof of Montenegro, and no one should endanger it. The argument in Parliament will be replaced by tolerance and dialogue. We must respect each other even when we disagree and look to the future."
Becic added that Montenegro must win the war on organized crime.
"Parliament must also strive to reform the electoral legislation so that Montenegro enters the election game in which everyone starts from scratch, and so that every next game would be a true celebration of democracy."
Krivokapic does not have the unique support of members of the coalition "For the Future of Montenegro"
September 18, 2020 - Organized by the Sports and Fishing Club Galeb from Tivat, on Sunday, September 20, the State Championship in Spearfishing will be held, which will gather about 15 most promising competitors from all Montenegrin clubs.
The sports part of the competition will be held on the open sea, from Dobreč Bay to Zagorski Pijesak beach in Donji Grbalj. At the same time, the host of the spearfishing championship is the Ribarsko Selo restaurant in Žanjic Bay.
Underwater fishers from six Montenegrin clubs will take part in the competition. In addition to the hosts, there will be divers from Sports and Fishing Club Deep Blue from Podgorica, Tuna from Budva, Mamula Herceg Novi, Sports and Fishing Club Neptun Ulcinj and Free Divers Bar. They go out to sea with an escort, each in their boat. From 9 to 12.30, when the competition is planned to end, the competitors will dive for their catch up to 200 times. According to the president of Sports and Fishing Club Galeb, Nikša Miljanić, the average depth at which the competitors will hunt is about 20 meters. On this occasion, they will dominantly apply the so-called technique "on the hole," going back to catch the fish hidden in the holes on the sea bottom.
Although the Tivat club organizes the spearfishing championship, it was decided not to dive in the waters of the bay.
"The largest part of the Boka Kotorska submarine is a protected zone in which underwater activities are not allowed. We want to promote a responsible attitude towards nature and our beautiful bay, which is why we decided to hold the spearfishing championship on the high seas. "
Nikša dives for breath and at depths greater than 40 meters. He has been practising this demanding sport since his earliest childhood, thanks to older family members who introduced him to spearfishing very early on. For the last 15 years, he is very active sportsman in spearfishing, in the previous two years trying to help the development of this sport in Tivat by organizing and promoting a local club.
One of the goals of this competition is to contribute to the formation of the Montenegrin Association for Underwater Sport Fishing, which would enable our competitors to perform at international competitions defending the colours of their country. For now, our competitors go to cups and championships individually, representing only the names of their clubs.
Until the formation of such an association, underwater fishers represent the section of the Association for Sport Fishing, so a delegate, Vladimir Vukovic, is coming to the State Championship. Miljanic points out the support of the Sports and Fishing Club Pagar from Tivat, whose president, Tonci Jandric, will judge Sunday's competition.
"This is another successful Tivat story, for which I must thank our faithful friends from Pagar. But also to local people in the business. Besides Ribarsko Selo, with us are the tavern Mala Barka, Montefish, UNA Montenegro, Majestic. But even many other individuals who helped us get the opportunity to host our colleagues from other Montenegrin clubs, "says Nikša Miljanić, President of Sports and Fishing Club Galeb from Tivat.
September 17, 2020 - Local transmission of COVID-19 infection in Montenegro is not waning. After yesterday's 230 new cases, the Institute of Public Health registered another 212 new COVID-19 patients today. In the last two days, six people have died as a result of coronavirus infection. Currently, 2482 cases of COVID-19 are active in Montenegro.
The National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases (NKT) has decided not to introduce new epidemiological rules for the time being, but to initiate additional mechanisms of the strictest control of compliance with the already prescribed counter- COVID-19 measures. Also, the NKT decided to provide direct professional assistance to medical institutions in municipalities with a high level of local coronavirus transmission.
"Competent inspection bodies at the state and local level are obliged to start all available human and technical capacities immediately. All inspection services are engaged in one task: control of compliance with epidemiological measures and sanctioning violations of regulations."
The NKT requires the competent inspection bodies at the state and local level the highest possible efficiency and concrete results immediately.
The National Coordination Body has decided to send members of the Crisis Medical Staff to all municipalities, and first to those that are most endangered by the level of local transmission, to provide professional assistance to health institutions. "
They appealed to the citizens to respect epidemiological measures - first of all, to wear protective masks on every prescribed occasion and to keep physical distance, as well as to practice hand hygiene as often as possible.
"The increase in local transmission must be stopped before the start of the school year, which in itself poses an additional epidemiological challenge. An alternative to insufficient compliance is further restrictions. The only way to avoid this is to discipline each individual."
Popović Samardžić: The COVID-19 epidemic is becoming more complex, it is necessary to react urgently
Epidemiologist and president of the Union of Medical Doctors of Montenegro, Milena Popović Samardžić, said that the epidemiological situation in Montenegro is becoming more complex, going according to an ugly scenario. Still, if we adhere to the measures in force, the problem could improve in two months.
"It's as if there is no National Coordination Body, institutions, as if everything is frozen, that's my feeling. We all need to ask ourselves what we can do to make this situation better, starting with the institutions. The simplest and most effective way to fight COVID-19 is to wear a mask. If we follow all the recommendations, we should improve the situation for two months ", said Dr Popović Samardžić as a guest in "Boje Jutra" on TV Vijesti.
Due to the growing number of sick and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the doctor points out that it is necessary to introduce more drastic measures as soon as possible.
"We have to close catering facilities, gyms, casinos, to control the public gathering of young people. I ask people to wear masks indoors to make a distance. Young people bring the virus home ", said Dr Popović Samardžić, reports the Vijesti portal.
The epidemiologist points out that it is necessary to create an expert council as soon as possible that knows the strategy, a body that citizens will trust.
Dr Popović Samardžić says that there is no communication between health workers, that the Institute of Public Health keeps information to itself, and that she does not know all the COVID-19 cases in Cetinje where she works as an epidemiologist.
She points out that the strategy must be testing, looking for contacts of patients, isolation.
Dr Popović Samardđić believes that microbiologists are not sufficiently involved in the work, that they only need support in the technical sense, to be able to help their colleagues.
Maximum of 40 volunteers at each location, protective equipment required
Locations coordinators for coastal clean-up locations:
- Location Pristan, Luštica, Herceg Novi. Coordinator: Milica Boca, +382 (0) 68 330 000 or through social networks
- Krasici, Tivat. Coordinator: Boris Filip, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Location near Blue Horizons, Kotor. Coordinator Patricija Pobrić, +382 (0) 69 279 331, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or NGO Our Action
- Location near PACHA Surf Pub. Cleanup Coordinator for Ulcinj is Zenepa Lika, Phone: +382 (0) 69 069 188, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Ulcinj - Ada Bojana - Right and left banks of Bojana, Cleanup coordinator: Sanja Čapunović, Phone: +382 (0) 68 026 161, Association Ada Bojana
- Nikšić - lake Krupac, Cleanup Coordinators Aleksandar Perović / Savo Milojević, Phone: +382 (0) 67 608 083 / +382 (0) 67 617 671, NGO Ozon
- Bijelo Polje location 1, Cleanup Coordinator Željko Đukić, Phone: +382 (0) 68 491 335, NGO Multimedia MNE
- Bijelo Polje location 2, Cleanup coordinator Ivana Milićević, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Bar - Bar beach and beach Maljevik, Cleanup coordinator Milica Pavlović, Phone: +382 (0) 66 125 925
- Podgorica - River Zeta - Rogami and two beaches near Pričelje, Milovan Marković, Phone: +382 (0) 67 364 529, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Citizen initiative "For a green Zeta"
- Ćehotina river and river coast, Miloš Ostojić, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Participants and sponsors of the International Coastal Clean-up Day Montenegro 2020:
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