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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Discipline crucial for curbing spread of coronavirus

Belgrade, 11 July 2020

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated that if the number of patients with coronavirus does not start to drop, a curfew will be reintroduced in Belgrade, as well as the restrictive measures that were in force in March and April and the closure of the country.

Last night, Brnabic told the BBC radio show Newshours that the proof that the protests have nothing to do with the curfew is that the government had never made such a decision.

A ban on the operation of service facilities from 9 pm to 6 am was the first official decision we made. Until then, everything was just discussed and no final decision was made, the Prime Minister explained.

Brnabic also pointed out that Serbia was one of the countries that had the most success in the fight against infectious disease COVID-19 in March and April, but also that it had almost the strictest measures in Europe during the first wave.

The country was closed, we had curfew, sometimes from Thursday night to Monday morning, and that gave results. However, one cannot live and work that way. We expected the second wave in the fall, but, in fact, the first wave never ended.

The Prime Minister pointed out that, as soon as such type of ban was lifted, the numbers started to grow again, and pointed out that this time the government tried different tactics, that is, to appeal to citizens to be disciplined, wear face masks and hold distance.

Speaking about the elections and that many criticise the government that the worsening of the epidemic is a direct result of the holding of the elections, Brnabic said that the elections was something that had to be done and that other countries also held elections, such as South Korea, France and Bavaria in Germany.

Asked about negotiations with Kosovo's leaders and how optimistic she is that some kind of solution will be reached and whether Serbia could recognise Kosovo, she said she is happy that negotiations are continuing because that is something Serbia has always called for.