site.btaCOVID-19 in the Balkans

Most Balkan countries continued easing the anti-epidemic measures over the past week against the backdrop of fewer new COVID-19 cases, despite a slight increase of new infections after the Easter holidays. A vaccination certificate is no longer required for entry in some Balkan countries. Testing of school students has been scrapped in most places.  

Albania registered between 30 and 50 new cases a day this week and not a single fatality, show Worldometers data. All COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted as of May 1 ahead of he summer tourist season. Entry in the country no longer requires a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result. A total of 43.4% of the population are fully vaccinated.

Bosnia and Herzegovina registered 65 new cases on average in the last seven days, with the highest number of fatalities in a day standing at 4. Only 25.8% of the population are fully vaccinated.

Greece reported 7,580 new cases and 47 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The country lifts as of May 1 the entry requirement for a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test result. Protective masks remain compulsory indoors until May 31, when this measure will be reconsidered. Non-vaccinated employees must do a rapid test once a week. 

Cyprus reported a drop in active cases and hospitalized COVID patients. The vaccination coverage stands at 71.4 per cent of the population, with a second booster being administered as of Thursday to citizens aged 60 and over.  

Kosovo reported under 20 new cases in the last two days and no fatalities. Nearly 1,830,000 vaccine doses have been administered.

The Republic of North Macedonia registered 124 new cases on Thursday, up from the previous days, and no fatalities. The Infectious Diseases Commission in Skopje Thursday recommended the lift of all restrictions, except for masks in healthcare establishments, pharmacies, and on public transport. No green pass is required for entry in the country. A total of 40% of the population are vaccinated.

Romania registered 1,146 new cases and 16 fatalities on Thursday, but the number of hospitalized patients and those in intensive care has been dropping. No COVID-19 restrictions are in force since early March. Forty-two per cent of the population are fully vaccinated. 

Slovenia’s government decided to extend until June 30 the price ceiling on rapid antigen test services (7 euro exclusive of VAT) and on home use tests (2.50 euro). The COVID certificate remains a requirement in hospitals and retirement homes. 

Serbia reported 871 new cases and 4 fatalities in the last 24 hours. Experts describe the situation as favourable but warn that the coronavirus continues to spread.

Turkey registered 2,256 new cases and 15 fatalities on Thursday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday said that masks are no longer compulsory indoors, except on public transport and in hospitals. A total of 85.4% of the adult population are fully vaccinated.

Croatia reported 850 new cases and 9 fatalities, the latest data show. A total of 59.48% of the population are vaccinated. 

Montenegro reported 618 active cases, the latest data show. The percentage of the fully vaccinated stands at 45.5%.