A large number of passengers returned this Saturday morning by the Morina customs’ officials, not being allowed to enter Kosovo due to new rules applied by the government of this country in the framework of measures against coronavirus.

In Morina border crossing point, (BCP) the number of returnees is large, while the fact that the measures having entered into force today have caused a large proportion of the citizens unaware of the situation.

"I got the second vaccine recently and as a rule I cannot get the next vaccine now, at least until March. These require the third vaccine or PCR. To do a PCR test you have to go and pay 30 EUR", said a citizen.

For his part, a van driver transporting passengers said that he was not aware of this rule set by the Kosovo government.

"I have all the passengers with two vaccines. Now they also require PCR or the third vaccine. I was not aware of such an order, which they say entered into force last night," he said, adding that they had left to visit an area in Kosovo.

However, the Government of Kosovo imposed new measures to curb the coronavirus, which aim at limiting the number of passengers entering there, but also affect the activity of bars and restaurants.

Measures have been made harsher due to the increase in cases of coronavirus in recent days, after the appearance of the Omicron variant. They 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”, it is said in the Government decision.