Government of Kosovo has tightened anti-COVID measures as a result of the increase in cases of coronavirus in recent days, after the appearance of the Omicron variant. These measures have entered into force this Saturday and will be valid until February 4.

According to the announcement of the Office of the Prime Minister, the new measures include restriction of movement (from 22:00 to 05:00), restriction of working hours for gastronomy (work is allowed only until 21:00), as well as toughening of entry rules.

"The decision on measures against COVID-19 is based on assessing the situation of the intensity of the spread and the capacity of the health system to respond, but also assessing them in light of the effects of these measures that may have on the general well-being. of society and individuals”, is the reasoning of the Government for this decision.

New anti-Covid measures below:

1. This decision applies to the entire territory of the Republic of Kosovo. B. [Entrances and exits of citizens in and from the Republic of Kosovo]

2. Every person who enters the Republic of Kosovo must possess one of the following evidences:

2.1 Certificate of vaccination with three (3) doses (or with one dose of Janssen vaccine and booster dose) against COVID-19;

2.2 Two-dose (or one-dose Janssen) vaccination certificate against COVID-19, together with a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19, not earlier than 48 hours before departure (for air passengers) or 48 hours before arrival at the border point (for those entering by land).

3. From the request to possess any of the evidences according to point 2.1 to 2.2 are released:

3.1 Persons who enter Kosovo through the airport or through land border points and leave Kosovo (transit) within three (3) hours through the airport or land border points, provided that at the entrance I sign the declaration that it will leave Kosovo within three ( 3) hours and that the exit at the border point is different from the border entrance;

3.2 Persons working as professional transporters (drivers), provided that they comply with the protocol for international transport for protection against COVID-19;

3.3 Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo who have left Kosovo in the last 12 hours;

3.4 Foreign citizens who pass through Kosovo through organized transport by bus or regular international line, transit, provided that a declaration is signed that they will leave the territory of Kosovo within five (5) hours;

3.5 Foreign diplomats accredited in Kosovo and members of KFOR troops;

3.6 Persons under the age of twelve (12) years;

3.7 Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo who do not have two doses of vaccine are obliged to perform home quarantine for a period of seven (7) days from the entry into the territory of the Republic of Kosovo;

3.8 Medical professionals from the respective field specialist have contraindications and are exempt from vaccination. Such persons must present a COVID-19 negative RT-PCR test, administered not earlier than 48 hours before departure (for passengers entering by air) or 48 hours before arrival at the border crossing point (for those entering by road) ).

3.9 Persons from the age of 12 to the age of 16 must

possess negative RT-PCR test not older than 48 hours.

C. Protection and safety at work

4. All employees of public institutions, central and local public enterprises, private businesses, organizations, as well as other entities, must possess one of the following evidence, in order to be allowed to enter the work premises:

4.1 Certificate of vaccination with at least two doses or one dose of Janssen vaccine against COVID-19;

4.2 Persons with medical evidence from the specialist doctor in the relevant field that they have contraindications and are exempt from vaccination, must have a negative RT-PCR test for COVID 19 not older than one week;

5. The highest administrative officer, or equivalent position, public institutions, private, as well as other entities, is obliged to appoint one or more responsible persons who will control the possession of any of the evidence mentioned in points 4.1 to 4.2.

6. Public and private employers, as well as other entities are obliged, based on the needs and nature of their work, to identify and determine the essential staff, as well as to organize the work only with this staff.

7. Public and private employers, as well as other entities are instructed to create the conditions for performing work tasks from home for employees who are not essential staff, according to the needs of the employer.

Ç. [General protection and hygiene measures]

8. Public and private institutions, as well as other entities, are obliged to keep hand sanitizers and a quantity of masks in accessible places at the entrance of the building as well as inside.

9. Public and private institutions, as well as other entities are obliged to place at the entrance of each facility visible signs of the rules of conduct for protection from COVID-19, including the sign prohibiting entry to the facility without masks, respecting the distance of one (1) meter and promotional signs for vaccination according to the design of the Ministry of Health.

10. The heads of public and private institutions and other entities are obliged to carry out disinfection and ventilation of enclosed spaces.

11. Wearing a mask covering the nose and mouth is mandatory in all cases, except:

11.1 When driving the vehicle alone, or when only close family members are present in the vehicle;

11.2 During running, cycling and physical exercises; 11.3 While eating or drinking.

12. It is forbidden to enter the closed premises without a mask.

13. All public and private institutions, as well as other entities are obliged to appoint an employee who will monitor the implementation of the measure defined in point 12 and the possession of evidence according to point 4.1 and 4.2.

D. [Restriction of circulation]

14. Restriction of citizens' traffic will be from 22:00 to 05:00, except:

14.1 Cases of urgent nature (to seek medical help, purchase medication, provide care or medical assistance, avoid injury or escape an injury risk);

14.2 Turnover for health, safety personnel and operators performing public works or services;

14.3 Night shift personnel of economic operators who ensure the functioning of the supply chain (including the transport of goods / services), but provided that they are provided with a special permit from the EDI system of the Tax Administration of Kosovo;

14.4 Persons who provide evidence that they must be at the airport during the curfew, because they have to travel by air;

14.5 Persons to whom a special temporary permit is applied issued by the Emergency Operational Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, according to point 16, due to the necessity of circulation during curfew.

15. Employers are obliged to ensure that their employees who are subject to the restriction from point 14 have enough time to travel to their apartments.

16. The Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs may issue a special permit for persons who provide sufficient evidence of the need to temporarily extend the time limit.

Dh. [Educational institutions]

17. The educational process in preschool institutions and day care is conducted according to the recommendations for preschool institutions of NIPHK dated 20.01.2022 ..

18. The educational process in all pre-university education institutions of all levels, as well as in day care centers is conducted in accordance with the MEST Guidelines for the organization of the educational process in the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The task forces of the educational institutions decide on the application of scenarios for the organization of the teaching process, depending on the situation in the institution and in the classrooms.

19. The teaching process in public and private institutions of higher education, as well as in training and non-formal education institutions, can take place with physical presence provided that groups over 50 people are accommodated in no more than 50% of the space.

20.Students in order to be allowed to register in the dormitory must possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 4.1 or 4.2.

21. Students in public and private university institutions must possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 4.1 or 4.2, in order to be allowed to enter the building of the institution.

22. Staff in all public and private institutions of all levels of education, including preschool and day care institutions, must possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 4.1 or 4.2 in order to be allowed to enter the facility. institutions.

23. The highest administrative officer, or equivalent position, of each institution according to points 20, 21 and 22, is obliged by decision to appoint one or more responsible persons who will control the possession of any of the evidence mentioned in point 4.1 or 4.2.

23. The highest administrative officer, or equivalent position, of each institution according to points 20, 21 and 22, is obliged by decision to appoint one or more responsible persons who will control the possession of any of the evidence mentioned in point 4.1 or 4.2.

24. All public and private institutions of all levels of education are prohibited from organizing extracurricular activities, such as excursions, group walks, various parties of teaching staff or students.

E. [Application for social and pension schemes]

25. The Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfers is instructed to release all beneficiaries of social and pension schemes managed by the MFPT from regular submission to the relevant offices for recording purposes, as required by relevant laws.

F. [Restriction of public and private meetings]

26. Unless otherwise provided in this decision, indoor gatherings of up to thirty (30) persons (workshops, meetings, seminars, trainings or other gatherings) are allowed. In addition to those under the age of 12, participants are required to possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 26.1 and point 26.2 in order to be allowed to enter these premises, and the organizer is obliged to provide a physical distance of one (1) meter between of persons and control of relevant evidence such as:

26.1 Certificate of vaccination with at least two doses or one dose of Janssen vaccine against COVID-19;

26.2 Persons with medical evidence from the specialist doctor of the respective field that they have contraindications and are exempt from vaccination, must submit the negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19, not older than 48 hours;

27. Meetings of the Assembly and the Government are allowed regardless of the number of persons, respecting the wearing of masks and the physical distance of one (1) meter between persons.

28. The Emergency Operational Center of the Ministry of Health may issue a special permit, exceeding the number of thirty (30) persons, for events of special importance in the function of public interest.

29. Gatherings and cultural events are allowed, outdoors up to fifty (50) people (public). The organizer is obliged to ensure the maintenance of a physical distance of 1 meter between persons and the presentation of evidence evidenced in points 26.1 or 26.2 in addition to participants under 12 years of age.

30. Notwithstanding points 28 and 29, for concerts and festivals with the public standing, the prohibitions set forth in point 34 apply.

31. Religious ceremonies and rites are allowed to carry out their activity up to 50% of the exploiting capacity provided that they possess any of the evidence according to point 26.1 or

26.2 in order to allow them to enter the enclosed spaces, in accordance with the relevant instruction, except for participants under 12 years of age.

33. Funerals are allowed only with the participation of close family, ensuring that

It is forbidden to hold the reception for comfort / sound head. participants maintain a physical distance of one (1) meter from each other.

G. [Prohibition of certain activities and organizations]

34. Regardless of the number of persons, the activity of night clubs is prohibited, as well as the organization of festivals, concerts, excursions, pilgrimages, weddings, engagements, family and social parties, throughout the territory of the Republic of Kosovo.

Gj. [Gastronomy]

35. Gastronomy services are allowed to carry out their activity. Clients and gastronomic staff must possess any of the evidence according to point 26.1 or 26.2 in order to be allowed to enter the closed spaces of the premises, in accordance with the relevant guide, except those under 12 years of age.

36. In gastronomy premises it is obliged to appoint one or more responsible persons who will check the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2.

37. The use of enclosed spaces is allowed up to fifty (50%) of the space capacity. In open spaces it is allowed to use up to seventy (70%) of the space capacity. The area is calculated for the area where food and drinks are served.

38. The meaning of the expression ‘open space’ and ‘closed space’ has the same meaning as Law no. 04 / L-156 on Tobacco Control.

39. Customers must stay at all times within the gastronomy service premises where food or beverage service is permitted, except:

39.1 When entering or leaving the premises of the premises:

39.2 While paying the order;

39.3 When going to or returning from the toilet;

39.4 When necessary for health and safety purposes.

40. In the cases from point 39.1 to 39.4 the wearing of the mask is obligatory.

41. Gastronomy services are allowed to carry out the activity from 05:00 to 21:00.

42. Music is only allowed until 20:30.

43. Premises managers should ensure that the distance between customers at different tables is at least one (1) meter.

44. The back of one chair should be at least one (1) meter away from the back of the other chair.

45. Up to 4 people are allowed at the table in closed spaces. In case the tables are bigger than two (2) meters, then the precondition is the limit of five (5) people in 10 m2.

46. ??Up to six (6) persons are allowed at the table or counter outside.

47. Each table must be equipped with disinfectants containing at least 60% alcohol.

48. The "custom delivery" service is allowed to operate even after 21:00, after being provided with a special permit by the EDI system (TAK) and strict hygiene measures for the vehicle, orders and staff.

H. [Shopping malls and other economic operators]

49. The activity of shopping centers is allowed according to the relevant instruction.

50. All operators, who for wholesale activity have wholesale and retail trade, are obliged to determine the maximum number of customers in the premises at the same time according to the rule - one (1) person per 8 m2. These operators are obliged to mark at the entrance the maximum number of allowed customers at the same time. The area is calculated for the area where customers are allowed to stay.

51. Customers and staff in shopping malls must possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2, in order to be allowed to enter the facility, except those under 12 years of age.

52. The entity that manages the shopping center is obliged to appoint one or more responsible persons who will check the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2. and that at each entrance to the mall.

I. [Working in pairs]

53. In public, private institutions and other entities, employees / staff who work in pairs / direct contact with clients (including, but not limited to, barbers, taxi drivers, employees in markets and banks, etc.) , must possess any of the evidence referred to in point 26.1 or 26.2 in order to be allowed to enter the workplace. It is obliged to appoint one or more responsible persons who will control the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2. Receiving payments in electronic form, instead of cash, is encouraged.

54. The responsible person of the public institution, private or other entities, is obliged to stop lining up or gathering inside and outside the work / business environment, unless there is a physical distance of at least 1 meter from other groups of persons.

J. [Public and international transport]

55. It is forbidden to enter public and international means of transport without a mask.

56. Passenger road transport operators are allowed to work by

utilize 50% of the capacity of the seats.

57. Up to two (2) passengers are allowed to travel in a taxi.

58. The staff and passengers of public transport must possess any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2, in order to be allowed the activity, respectively travel in the means of public and international transport, except those under 12 years of age.

59. Each operator is obliged to appoint one or more responsible persons in each means of public transport, who will check the passengers for the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2.

K. [Theaters, libraries, etc.]

60. Libraries, museums, cinemas, theaters, youth centers, cultural centers with groups or other similar subordinate institutions of MCYS or Municipalities, are allowed to work using 30% of the capacity of space / surfaces of relevant facilities, with provided the public is seated in a chair. It is obligatory to keep the mask and the physical distance of one (1) meter between the persons.

61. Users of activities according to point 60, must possess any of the evidence mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2, in order to be allowed to enter the facility, except those under 12 years of age.

62. In the activities according to point 60, one or more responsible persons must be appointed by decision who will control the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2.

L. [Sport and recreation]

63. The organization of sports competitions and trainings is allowed regarding the protocols and recommendations of world organizations for the organization of sports events and the protective measures of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo.

64. The number of participants in the competition (athletes, clubs, officials, and other participants necessary for the development of the competition) is determined by the sports federations respecting the measure of distance and other protective measures. Spectators are not allowed in indoor and outdoor racing activities.

65. Fitness centers, gyms and other institutions for public use for sports and recreational activities are closed, with the exception of professional sports clubs.

LL. [Thermal baths]

66. To enter the thermal baths, customers and staff must possess any of the evidence specified in point 26.1 or 26.2 of this Decision, except those under 12 years of age. It is obligatory to appoint at least one employee who will check the possession of any of the evidences mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2.

M. [Markets and Slaughter of Animals]

67. Public markets of vehicles, animals and poultry are allowed to develop the activity by using 30% of the space / surface capacity of the respective facilities. It is obligatory to keep the mask and place the stalls at a physical distance of at least two (2) meters.

N. [Personal data and the manner of checking evidence according to points 4.1 to 4.2]

68. The assignment of the authorized persons to the authorized employees for the control of the evidence according to point 26.1 or 26.2, is done through the decision where the name and surname of the authorized person are determined. These persons must be identifiable through the card / identification mark and their names must be posted at the entrance of the institution, shopping malls, gastronomy premises and any other business.

69. The presentation of the evidence mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2, is done in a form which does not allow authorized persons or services authorized to control their possession, to keep, store, register or process the data contained in the evidence in any form, unless the data subject has given his or her written consent to the processing of such data.

70. Authorized and designated persons, in order to check the evidence mentioned in point 26.1 or 26.2, in cases when the data subject has given his written consent for the processing of this data, are not allowed to retain the data or reuse it for purposes other than ascertaining possession of evidence, in the interest of public health and for the sole purpose of combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nj. [Guides and explanations]

71. The Ministry of Health is obliged to update the temporary, general and special guidelines for the prevention and control of COVID-19, as follows:

71.1 Provisional Guidelines for the Application of General Measures to Prevent and Combate COVID-19;

71.2. Interim Guide for the personal services and business sector, industry, public administration and NGOs;

71.3. Temporary Level Guide;

71.4. Temporary Guide and Shopping Mall;

71.5. Temporary Guide

cultural activities;

71.6. Temporary Recreational and Sports Guide;

71.7. Temporary Guide

71.8. Temporary Guide

71.9. Temporary Guide

71.10. Temporary guide for educational institutions of all, for gastronomy, hotel, sales sector for religious gatherings, funerals, workshops and for fitness, gyms and other activities

for public and international transport; for health care institutions; for civil aviation; for correctional facilities, asylum and detention centers for foreigners;

72. The guidelines from point 71 are mandatory for all persons and sectors to which they apply.

73. The Ministry of Health is obliged to issue clarifications on the points of this Decision, if necessary.

O. [Implementation]

74. The Minister of Health, FVA and Kosovo Police are obliged, in cooperation with the municipal emergency headquarters, to supervise the implementation of this decision and to submit to the Office of the Prime Minister a weekly report (every Friday until 1:00).

75 The Ministry of Health, HUCSK and NIPHK are obliged to submit to the Office of the Prime Minister the weekly report (every Friday until 16:00) on the implementation of measures, the situation in health institutions, the epidemiological situation and forecasts for the next two weeks.

76 The Ministry of Health is obliged to, based on Law no. 07 / L-006 on Prevention and Combating Pandemic COVID-19, in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo to issue operational decisions depending on the epidemiological situation and recommendations of the NIPHK.

77 The Kosovo Police and the responsible inspectorates are obliged to supervise the implementation of measures, other decisions and relevant guidelines in implementation of Law no. 07 / L-006 on Prevention and Combating Pandemic in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo.

78 For violators of measures, the competent bodies are obliged to impose punitive measures according to Law no. 07 / L-006 on Prevention and Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo and other laws in force.

79 The only authority that can interpret this decision is the Ministry of Health, while any other institution can provide clarifications for the respective categories to which this decision applies, only after the approval of that clarification by the Ministry of Health.

P. [Repeal of decision no. 02/46]

80. Government Decision no. 02/46, dated 30.11.2021. Q.