November 11, 2020 - The European Union has paid 28m euros in grants to Montenegro's state budget to help Montenegro mitigate the economic and social effects of the coronavirus crisis.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa, said that this was only the first part of the non-refundable budget aid available to Montenegro, which would have a total value of 40.5 million euros.

"The remaining funds will be paid after Montenegro fulfills the obligations it has undertaken, among which the most important is to provide financing for small and medium enterprises and to finance social benefits for the most vulnerable categories of the population," Popa said.

The budget support is part of a 53m-euro grant provided to the EU by Montenegro to purchase medical equipment, improve health services, and help vulnerable individuals and businesses most severely affected by the coronavirus crisis.

"This assistance shows that, even when the European Union itself is hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, we remain committed to solidarity as our core value and do not forget our partners in Montenegro. I encourage Montenegrin citizens to respect health measures and to protect yourself and your loved ones," Popa said.

November 10, 2020 - The situation regarding the COVID-19 epidemic in Montenegro is very complicated, challenging and difficult, because the level of local transmission is very high, stated the Director of the Institute of Public Health, Dr. Boban Mugoša. The number of active COVID-19 cases in the country is currently 7177. 

Mugoša said at the press conference that the level of transmission is so high that in a few days it could endanger the health system.

"Citizens continue to behave in a manner that is not in accordance with the recommendations and orders. They show no responsibility to themselves or to others. The measures were introduced for a reason and it is understood that it is necessary for everyone to adhere to them. If we have created a methodology that allows measures to be introduced in vulnerable municipalities, the population of those municipalities should respect the measures, so as not to endanger others, "said Mugoša.

Unfortunately, as he added, part of the population is not aware of the danger we are in.

"Let's not test the health care system. People are tired, they have been working non-stop for months. We have to keep that in mind. We managed to ensure that the hospitals were not overcrowded, that there was someone to provide care and assistance. There is a lot of pressure in COVID-19 dispensaries, home care teams barely manage to visit all the sick. This means that we are moving towards a situation when it will no longer be possible to help everyone. That is why I appeal again to respect the measures and to respect both oneself and others. This is the only way we can prevent further spread of the infection," said Mugoša.

According to him, in recent days playgrounds were full of children, and the presence of children in religious buildings was also noticed.

Mugoša especially referred to the citizens of Podgorica who go to other municipalities, which represents a great danger of the spread of the virus:

The capacities of the Institute of Public Health for testing have significantly increased, so in 2019 they performed about 11,000 tests, and in less than eight months this year already about 100,000 tests.

"The introduction of rapid tests was primarily done to speed up diagnostics and preparation for what is to come. When seasonal respiratory infections and flu occur, we must quickly distinguish whether it is such an infection or COVID-19,” said Mugoša.

Mugoša said that schools, as institutions, are safe for teaching, but the journey to school and grouping of children in playgrounds is problematic. Therefore, the NKT plans for schools to be closed only if a complete lockdown is introduced, ie when hospital capacities are so full that this lockdown measure must be introduced throughout the country.

When asked why people with all symptoms do not get a solution for self-isolation while waiting for test results, Mugoša pointed out that those who have symptoms and suspect that they are infected should not wait for results to isolate themselves, but that it is enough to know that they can be infected to stay home and wait for test results.
However, the situation is not yet so critical as to establish temporary COVID-19 hospitals, Mugoša believes. If necessary, they can be opened in just two days:

“We still have space within the health system for 150-170 beds in the existing COVID-19 hospitals, and three or four more hospitals can be converted into COVID-19 hospitals with extra beds. We are not in that situation yet, ”said the Director of the Institute of Public Health.

COVID-19 in Montenegro: Latest Health Update

Laboratories of the Institute of Public Health and private laboratories dealing with PCR diagnostics have completed PCR analysis of 966 samples for the new coronavirus since the last section, among which a total of 357 new cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered.

From November 2 to 9, a total of 1105 rapid antigen tests were performed in public health institutions, of which 446 results were positive.

Given the currently-adopted testing strategy according to which the result of a rapid antigen test has the same diagnostic and epidemiological significance as the result of the PCR test, the number and result of all tests will be displayed together from today.

The total number of deaths related to COVID-19 infection since the beginning of June is 333, and since the beginning of the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Montenegro, 342.

In the last 24 hours, recovery was reported in 196 patients.

Taking into account all newly discovered cases as well as the number of recovered in the past 24 hours, the total number of currently active COVID19 cases in Montenegro is 7177.

Since the beginning of the year, the total number of registered cases of infection with the new corona virus is 23608.

November 10, 2020 - After several months of waiting caused by the coronavirus pandemic, representatives of the Italian company "Panaque Srl" have succeeded in installing complete aquarium equipment for the first marine aquarium in Montenegro, "Boka Aquarium" and to put it into operation. The news was announced by Dr. Mirko Đurović, Director of Boka Aquarium.

"A test phase is underway to check all pipelines and regulate the necessary parameters that will ensure the safety of fish and other marine organisms in the pools, such as temperature, oxygen, salinity, and all other parameters. This phase includes essential aspects before the finalization of Boka Aquarium. Therefore, the testing will last for 10 to 15 days, so that we can start settling organisms from the sea, primarily the Bay of Kotor, with certainty," said Dr. Đurović.

So far, 95% of the contracted works have been completed at the Boka Aquarium. After the commission handover of the system to the Institute of Marine Biology, the final works on the interior of the aquarium and the exterior arrangement of the yard of the Institute will follow, to ensure the aquarium is ready to meet the first visitors. Technical support by the company "Panaque Srl" will be available both during the settlement period and during the opening of the aquarium to the public.

"Opening to the public will primarily depend on the epidemiological situation because, for now, this is what dictates all plans. We want to be 100% sure that future visitors will be able to fully enjoy the Adriatic Sea's biodiversity and that of the Bay of Kotor. Today, the essential precondition for that is that we have a favorable epidemiological situation. Indeed, we will work on the constant improvement of the installation, because the placement of all organisms in pools requires patience and a slightly more extended period," said Dr. Đurović.

Boka Aquarium is an additional contribution of the University of Montenegro and the Institute of Marine Biology to education regarding the need to protect the marine ecosystem of the Adriatic Sea and to what Boka Kotorska and Montenegro offers tourists.

The aquarium is located in the Radonicic Palace, under the protection of Montenegro's cultural monuments, over an area of 300 m2. After 30 years of non-use due to the poor condition and dilapidated installations, the Institute of Marine Biology breathed new life into this space.

The aquarium will present the Mediterranean's marine flora and fauna, that of the Adriatic and the Bay of Kotor.

The Boka Aquarium is mostly financed by a donation from the Kingdom of Norway through the project "Center for the Protection of Marine Biodiversity" Boka Aquarium - MonteAqua. Additional funds were provided thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Public Enterprise Morsko Dobro, and the University of Montenegro.

Source: University of Montenegro

November 7, 2020 - The future Government is based on four key areas that are the current priorities for Montenegro. These are the rule of law, finances, education, and health, said Prime Minister-designate Zdravko Krivokapic, presenting the new Montenegrin Government's proposed composition on Thursday, November 5.

He said that the model drew from the Netherlands and Finland, as examples of good practice, and that in essence, rationalization should offer an answer to the challenges facing Montenegro.

This was the message of the Prime Minister-designate in his address to the public, recalling that the agreement between the three winning coalitions harmonized the expert Government and that the executive power will not count "blood grains, nor take into account nations and religion."

There are 12 ministries in the prime minister's office, three of which are headed by women. The chief negotiator's office remains with the prime minister's office due to the importance of the EU accession process.

The Prime Minister-designate previously announced that the Government's work would be limited to 200 days to a year, as estimated to be needed to reform sectors necessary for the organization of fair and free elections:

"The Government will have 12 ministries, and for me that has the symbolism of the 12 apostles that our metropolitan (Amfilohije) constantly taught us about. We want to make a sacrifice so that Montenegro can be different, and be the right place for the life of our descendants, so that they do not leave this area, but build a common future here, in this beautiful environment," Krivokapić said.

Krivokapic plans to reduce the number of always by merging several departments into one. Public administration will be attached to the Ministry of Justice, and the departments of culture, sports, and science to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Finance will cover the area of ​​labor and social welfare. Two new ministries are also planned - those of ecology, and capital investments.

Krivokapić announced that it was his and his team's choice to head Tamara Srzentić the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media. Their candidate for the chief of the Ministry of Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism is Dr. Ratko Mitrović, Professor at the Faculty of Architecture. The Ministry of the Interior proposed chief is Nikola Terzić. 

Djordje Radulovic was nominated for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakov Milatovic for the Ministry of Economic Development, and Mladen Bojanic for the Ministry of Capital Investments.

Aleksandar Stijović is the candidate for the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Vesna Bratić is the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Jelena Borovinić Bojović is the Minister of Health, Vladimir Leposavić is the Minister of Justice, Minority and Human Rights, and Milojko Spajić is the Minister of Finance and Social Welfare. The Ministry of Defense is not yet staffed," Krivokapic said.

Krivokapic said that the Government is based on seven pillars. Five are related to work on European integration - the first pillar is the green economy, the second is digital transformation, the third is regional cooperation and connectivity, and the fourth is improving competitiveness.

"As a rule, the fifth pillar is not so defined, but we want to show an outstanding attitude towards all social problems, and so we called it social protection. That sixth pillar is known as equal socal opportunities and the seventh pillar good governance, with which we want to start the process of integration towards the EU, "said the Prime Minister.

He believes, as he said, that the Police Directorate should not be an independent body and that it should return to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior.

"I hope that with this model and the choice of these professionals, Montenegro will be different, not to look at who is what and not to examine his blood line, but to measure the results of our actions," said Krivokapić.

Reactions of coalition partners to Krivokapic's proposal to form a new government
After hearing the Prime Minister's proposals at the meeting of the winning coalition party leaders, which was held in Podgorica, there were reactions from his coalition list Together for the Future of Montenegro.

"The government proposed by Prime Minister-designate Zdravko Krivokapic is an experimental autocratic, theocratic one," said the Movement for Change (PZP) leader Nebojsa Medojevic. He added that the candidates for ministers are unknown persons, without any experience and references, and that everything is, as he stated, "a great betrayal of the people and a dangerous game to play with the fate of the state."

After the meeting with Prime Minister-designate Zdravko Krivokapic, the leaders of the Democratic Front, Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic did not hide their dissatisfaction.

"The Prime Minister-designate proposed a composition where authentic representatives of the Serbian people cannot hold any public office. We told him that we were not interested in his candidates," Knezevic said.
"We will not allow this situation to be abused. In the end, together with our people, we will have the opportunity to change Montenegro. It will pass quickly. We will have free elections,"  stated Mandic.

After the meeting, URA leader Dritan Abazović announced that the Government's proposed concept is close to the principles that URA stands for, and later the proposal of Zdravko Krivokapić was supported by the party bodies of URA.

"The objection remains that the proposed composition of the Government did not respect Montenegro's diversity of identity, more precisely that there are no members of minority nations and that there is a lamentably low number of women in the composition of the Government. However, we believe that these two principles will be more respected in the in-depth structure of the Government," stated the Presidency of URA. The Presidency also supports Dritan Abazović to be the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Democratic Montenegro, which won 9 parliamentary seats in the August elections, has not yet made a public statement on the new Government's proposal.

The day after the elections, on August 31, the leaders of the three winning coalitions, Zdravko Krivokapic, Aleksa Becic, and Dritan Abazovic, announced the principles on which the future Government will rest. Among which was the direction "that the government will be expert, constituted by experts in specific fields, regardless of their political, religious, national, or any other characteristics."

Krivokapić sent a request to the Assembly to hold a session. "I expect that a session of the Assembly will be organized as soon as possible, at which I will present the program as Prime Minister-designate and propose the composition of the new Government of Montenegro," Krivokapic wrote on his Twitter account.

Sources: Vijesti, PCNEN, RSE

November 6, 2020 - One of the most popular global series, The Nomad, will be filming from today, until 15th November in Montenegro. The show is produced by the famous Canadian photographer and author Ryan Pyle, and the filming will be carried out in collaboration with the National Tourism Organization (NTO).

The series, according to the NTO, focuses on cities, gastronomy, local customs and people.

"After Heidelberg in Germany, Valletta in Malta and Dubrovnik in Croatia, the author has chosen Montenegro for the series’ next destination. The episode The Nomad - Boka Bay is being filmed in the area of ​​Boka Kotorska, as chosen by the author, with a focus on the city of Kotor," the NTO said in a statement.

They added that, in line with the specific concept of the show, the destination will be presented to an audience of millions, through interviews with the local population on topics related to history, culture, gastronomy, personal life experience and professions.

"Montenegro, with its diverse natural beauty, is becoming increasingly popular among travellers around the world, but less is known about its rich history and authentic stories that locals will share. At Ryan Pyle Productions, we are excited to bring these stories to life and explore everything that Montenegro and the Bay of Kotor have to offer,” said Pyle.

During the filming of the episode, the TV crew will, among other things, have the opportunity to try their hand at preparing traditional Montenegrin dishes, visit the Kotor market, olive groves and several rural households. They will learn about the production of craft beer and the tradition of making wooden boats, and discover what’s on offer for recreation and active holidays in the great outdoors.

The NTO highlights that the television series The Nomad is broadcast through one of the two largest global streaming channels, Amazon Prime, with over 150 million subscribers. The episode The Nomad - Boka Bay will be broadcast via Amazon Prime in the US, UK and Germany.

They add that the episode will also be available through Ryan Pyle’s YouTube channel and his social media profiles with an impressive number of followers, as well as through China’s most influential social network Weibo.

"The 46-minute episode of The Nomad - Boka Bay will premiere next year, and given the expected audience for the series through TV broadcasts and digital channels, it is estimated that this tourist report will be of great importance for promoting Montenegro as a quality tourist destination on a global level," the announcement states.

HRB

November 5, 2020 - Bar-based company Alpha Company Ltd is planning a tourist resort on an area of ​​18,000 m2 in the village of Zabrdje on the Lustica Peninsula. The Secretariat for Spatial Planning and Construction of the Municipality of Herceg Novi has therefore announced a competition for an urban-architectural design for the development, which includes several cadastral parcels.

The anonymous single-stage procedure is open nationally, on a general project basis, until 30th December. The announcement was made at the request of the owner/investor, a Bar-based company, represented by Mikalai Biladzid from Belarus.

The territory is of an irregular shape, with a significant height difference between the initial and final sections, and contains two spatial zones, which, given that they are in close proximity and under the same ownership, will be planned as one functional unit - a tourist resort.

The tender solution should provide for the construction of a tourist resort with accompanying infrastructure. In the northern part, which is closer to the sea coast, the construction of a hotel as the central basic tourist facility is envisaged, while the construction of the remaining additional facilities and tourist villas is planned in the southern part. The resort category will be 4 stars, with the primary facilities being the hotel and villas. There will be a maximum of three above-ground storeys, the local administration announced.

The funds provided for the competition total 24,500 euros. The prize fund is 17,000 euros, distributed as follows: first prize - 8,000 euros, second prize - 5,000 and third prize - 3,000 euros. The total fund for jury expenses, reporting and organization is 7,500 euros. The amounts are stated in the net value in which they will be paid.

All competition fund expenses, including assessment fees and fees related to the organization of the competition, will be borne by the investor.

HRB

November 2, 2020 - MEASURES IN FORCE - Government of Montenegro, HEALTH AND TRAVEL UPDATE, November 2, 2020

GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES - PROTECTIVE MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCE

1. The wearing of protective masks outdoors and indoors is mandatory throughout Montenegro, including for children over 5 years, except on beaches and in national parks, provided that physical distancing and previously prescribed measures are respected.

2. Companies and entrepreneurs engaged in retail trade (markets, supermarkets, hypermarkets, shopping centres, etc.), including green markets, as well as state bodies, state administration bodies, administrative bodies, local self-government bodies, public institutions and other entities exercising public authority, banks, post offices and other legal entities, which directly provide services to citizens at counters, are obliged to appoint staff to monitor service users' respect of the obligation to wear a protective mask and maintain physical distance when entering these facilities.

MOVEMENT AND PUBLIC GATHERINGS

3. In the municipality of Žabljak, it is forbidden to leave residential buildings between 22:00 and 5:00 the next day, except for children with autism spectrum disorders and persons using wheelchairs, accompanied by one person for a maximum of 60 minutes a day, persons who perform regular work tasks in activities permitted by the orders, employees of foreign diplomatic and consular missions, persons providing vital public services (health, police inspection bodies, army, security services, fire services, utilities, media - including persons appearing in media shows, agricultural activities on farms, etc.) as evidenced by a certificate issued by the employer, as well as persons caring for persons who due to illness, injury or other health condition are unable to perform daily activities independently, as evidenced by a doctor's certificate, and persons walking pets, for a maximum of 60 minutes per day.

4. In municipality of Žabljak, gathering in residential buildings is prohibited for persons who are not members of a joint family household;

5. The gathering of persons is limited across the country to a maximum of 40 persons in outdoor public places, and to 20 persons in closed public places, with the obligation to maintain a physical distance of at least two meters. (This obligation does not apply to residential buildings, except in the municipality of Žabljak where gathering in residential buildings is restricted.)

6. Gatherings of individuals for political rallies is limited to a maximum of 100 people in open public places, and 50 people in closed public places, with the obligation to respect the physical distance of at least two meters between persons, wear protective masks and sanitise hands with suitable sanitisers;

7. Gatherings of individuals for public events, and other cultural and artistic events and festivals, is limited to a maximum of 100 people in an open public places and up to 50 people in indoor public places, with the obligation for the organizers to ensure: a seated-only event, respect of a physical distance of at least two meters between persons who are not members of a joint family household, the wearing of protective masks and disinfecting of hands with an appropriate disinfectant upon arrival at the event venue;

8. The presence of spectators at sports events is prohibited;

9. Religious gatherings in open public places except on the property of the religious facilities are prohibited (it is recommended that all religious communities perform religious rites in religious facilities without public attendance);

10. Receiving condolences is prohibited. Funerals are conducted with immediate family only; and

11. Private gatherings (weddings, prom nights, birthdays, etc.) are prohibited.

DOMESTIC TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

12. Domestic transport (road, rail and maritime) is carried out with the obligation of the carrier to ensure compliance with prevention measures:

- Transport of passengers in public transport (bus and van), road transport (intercity, suburban, urban), rail and maritime transport is carried out with the implementation of prevention measures (wearing protective masks, disinfection of hands at the entrance/exit of the vehicle, standing passengers are not allowed in the vehicle/vessel), in accordance with the instructions of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro;

13. Taxi transport: The carrier is obliged to ensure that passengers and the driver wear protective masks. After the ride, the driver is obliged to disinfect the surfaces that are most often touched by passengers (handles and internal parts of doors and seats) with disinfectants, in accordance with the instructions of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
14. State employees and  those employed in state bodies, state administration bodies, administrative bodies and state employees in local - self government bodies are prohibited from traveling abroad, except in cases where the trip is of state interest with the prior consent of the head of the authority.

15. Arrangements of all student tours, educational meetings etc. abroad is prohibited.

16. Off - line traffic with countries that are not on the green list, is performed so the group of passengers transported from the departure point to the destination point, is determined in advance. The entry/exit of passengers into and out of the vehicle during the journey is prohibited.

ENTRY INTO MONTENEGRO - NATIONALS OF MONTENEGRO AND FOREIGNERS RESIDING IN MONTENEGRO

17. Entrance to Montenegro is permitted for every citizen of Montenegro and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro:

- Without additional restrictions, if he or she meets all three of the following conditions: 1. he or she is a resident of one of the countries on the 'green list' or he or she stayed in the country from the 'green list' for at least 15 days before entering Montenegro; 2. if in a period from the 15th day before entering Montenegro to the day of entry, he or she did not stay in any of the countries outside the 'green list'; 3. he or she did not travel to any or through any of the countries outside the 'green list' except in transit (transit is travel without delay, as evidenced by the travel document).

The 'Green list': EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) and Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

- With a negative PCR test for the new  coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not older than 72 hours or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class obtained by ELISA serologic test or with a negative antibody serologic test result of the IgM class not older than 72 hours if he or she comes from any of the countries on the "amber list" or comes from one of the countries on the "green list", and in the period of 15 days before entering Montenegro, he or she stayed in one of the countries on the "amber list".

If a citizen of Montenegro or a foreigner with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro has stayed in one of the countries from the ''amber list'' for up to 48 hours, he/she may return without the obligation of a test with strict observance of a health supervision measure upon return to Montenegro, which implies free movement, but daily monitoring of symptoms and reporting to the competent doctor until the expiry of the Decision issued by Sanitary inspection upon return.

'Amber list': Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore and the USA.

Compulsory testing does NOT apply to children under the age of five.

Citizens of Montenegro and a foreigners with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, if entering Montenegro from one of the countries out of the previous two lists, or if in the period from the 15th day before entry to the day of entry, he or she stayed in one of the countries or traveled through any of the countries not on the previous two lists, except in transit (transit is travel without delay, as evidenced by the travel document), are upon entering placed in institutional isolation or self-isolation for a period of 14 days.

Self-isolation means staying in family household or other facility, with restricted movement, while the health status of this person, as well as all members of the household is monitored by the competent epidemiological service, in accordance with the decision of the Sanitary Inspection.

Institutional isolation means accommodation in a facility intended for self-isolation and the stay of persons who are tested positive for the novel coronavirus and who do not have symptoms of the disease, who do not require medical treatment but must be supervised by health professionals, based on the decision of the Sanitary Inspection, in accordance with the Protocol of treatment of patients and contacts of COVID-19 patients of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

ENTRY INTO MONTENEGRO - FOREIGNERS
18. Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Montenegro under the following conditions:

- Without additional restrictions if he or she meets all three of the following conditions: 1. he or she is a resident of one of the countries from the green list, or he or she stayed in the country from the green list, for at least 15 days before entering Montenegro; 2. if in the period from the 15th day before entering Montenegro to the day of entry, he or she did not stay in any of the countries not included in the green list of countries; 3. he or she did not travel to any of the countries or through any of the countries not included in the green list of countries, except in transit (transit is travel without delay, as evidenced by insight into the travel document).

The 'green list' includes: EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) and Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

- With the negative PCR test for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not older than 72 hours, or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class or with the negative antibody serologic test result of the IgM class obtained by ELISA serologic test not older than 72 hours if he or she comes from any of the countries on the "amber list" or comes from one of the countries on the "green list", and in the period of 15 days before entering Montenegro, he or she stayed in one of the countries on the "amber list".

'Amber list': Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore and the USA.

Compulsory testing does NOT apply to children under the age of five.

It is not possible for residents of countries off the previous two lists to enter Montenegro unless they have proof (passport stamp) that they have spent at least the past 15 days until the day of entering Montenegro in one of the countries on the "green list". (EU Member States - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden; Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Brunei, Belarus, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and that they not visit countries off this list during that period.

In this case, the person can enter Montenegro without additional conditions, regardless of where the individual is resident.

- If they have proof (passport stamp) that they have spent at least 15 days until the day of entering Montenegro in one of the countries on the "amber list" (Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, North Macedonia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore and the United States).

In this case, the person can enter Montenegro under the conditions that apply to residents of the "amber list" countries: they must have a negative PCR test for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not older than 72 hours or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class or with a negative antibody serologic test result of the IgM class obtained by ELISA serologic test not older than 72 hours.

Compulsory testing does NOT apply to children up to the age of five.

NOTE: Upon entry, the country of which the person is a resident is observed, not the country of which the person is a national, if the two are not the same For example: A citizen of a country off the list with a regular residence in the country on the list is treated as a citizen of the country on the list because he or she is a resident of that country.

ENTRY INTO MONTENEGRO - EXCEPTION - CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PERSONS

19. In accordance with the recommendation of the European Commission, certain categories of persons necessary for normal functioning of vital services and employees who represent a clear economic interest are excluded from the stated criteria. Special conditions for entry and movement through Montenegro, the Public Health Institute prescribes for:

- Health workers, health researchers and scientists;

- Persons who perform or provide transport of passengers and goods;

- Diplomats accredited in Montenegro, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in performing their functions;

- Certain categories of passengers in transit;

- Persons in need of international protection or coming to Montenegro for other humanitarian reasons (the principle of non-refoulement is respected).

ENTRY INTO MONTENEGRO - EXCEPTIONS - NON-COMMERCIAL AND OCCASIONAL AIR TRAFFIC (SO-CALLED GENERAL AVIATION)

20. Foreign citizens coming by non commercial air traffic are allowed to enter Montenegro, while complying with following temporary measures:

- If the aircraft arrives from one of the countries from the 'green list', there will be no additional restrictions on entry.

The 'Green list' includes following countries: EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden) and Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, Georgia, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

- If the aircraft arrives from another country, passengers and crew must obtain a negative PCR test test for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not older than 72 hours or a positive coronavirus antibody test result (SARS-CoV-2) of the IgG class, or with a negative antibody serologic test result of the IgM class obtained by ELISA serologic test not older than 72 hours.

Health surveillance measures are applied to these passengers after entering Montenegro, in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro. For the arrival/departure of passengers from the passenger terminal to their accommodation, special transport must be arranged, in line with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute.

While staying in a hotel or other accommodation, passengers are obliged to apply the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

Compulsory testing does NOT apply to children up to the age of five.

TRANSIT OF RESIDENTS OF BiH, KOSOVO AND ALBANIA THROUGH MONTENEGRO
21. The transit of residents of neighbouring countries from the 'amber list' through Montenegro between the countries of the amber list is possible without an obligation to take a PCR or ELISA test.

Transit is possible with the control on the time of entering into Montenegro, passage of checkpoints and exiting Montenegro, without staying in Montenegro.

BORDER CROSSINGS

22. All border crossings for entry into Montenegro are open, except for the road border crossing Vuča on the road route Rožaje - Tutin.

23. Entry of passengers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Montenegro is NOT ALLOWED through the border crossing Šćepan Polje on the road route Plužine - Foča.

- It remains possible from 07:00 to 19:00 through the border crossing Metaljka on the road route Pljevlja - Čajniče.

Passengers are allowed to leave Montenegro without restrictions at these crossings.

INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION AND SELF-ISOLATION

24. The measure of self-isolation is prescribed as follows:

- 14 days to persons who have been or are suspected of being in contact with persons infected with a novel coronavirus or with persons suspected of being infected with the disease.

- until recovery, and at least for 14 days to persons who have a positive PCR test for a novel coronavirus, have mild symptoms or no symptoms of the disease.

Measures are prescribed based on the decision of the Sanitary Inspection, in accordance with the Protocol for treatment of patients and contacts of COVID-19 patients of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

Self-isolation means staying in family household or other facility, with restricted movement, while the health status of this person, as well as all members of the household is monitored by the competent epidemiological service, in accordance with the decision of the Sanitary Inspection.

25. The measure of institutional isolation is prescribed for up to 14 days from the beginning of the symptoms of the disease to persons who have previously been hospitalized and who have had a significant improvement in their clinical picture, but still do not meet the criteria for recovery, in accordance with the Protocol of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

Exceptionally, a measure of self-isolation may be imposed on these persons, if there are conditions for accommodation in self-isolation.

Self-isolation means staying in a family household or other facility, with restricted movement, while the health status of this person, as well as all members of the household is monitored by the competent epidemiological service, in accordance with the decision of the Sanitary Inspection.

Institutional isolation means accommodation in a facility intended for self-isolation and the stay of persons who are hospitalized, but who are in an improved condition that does not require medical treatment in hospital, but must be under supervision of health workers, based on the decision of the Sanitary Inspection, in accordance with the Protocol of the Public Health Institute.

26. The measure of a 14-day obligatory quarantine or self-isolation is prescribed to any citizen or resident of Montenegro who comes from one of the countries with which international passenger traffic is not allowed, in accordance with the prescribed epidemiological criteria, based on the decision of the Sanitary Inspection, in accordance with the Protocol for treatment of patients and contacts of COVID-19 patients of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

Self-isolation means staying in a family household or other facility, with restricted movement, while the health status of this person, as well as all members of the household is monitored by the competent epidemiological service, in accordance with the decision of the Sanitary Inspection.

Institutional isolation means accommodation in a facility intended for self-isolation and the stay of persons who are hospitalized, but they are in an improved condition that does not require medical treatment in hospital, but must be under supervision of health workers, based on the decision of the Sanitary Inspection, in accordance with the Protocol of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

VISITING PERSONS IN HOSPITALS
27. Visits to persons who are receiving hospital treatment in healthcare institutions and persons accommodated in social and childcare institutions are prohibited

VISITING PERSONS DEPRIVED OF THEIR LIBERTY AND PERSONS SERVING A PRISON SENTENCE

28. Visits to detained persons and persons serving a prison sentence in the Administration for Execution of Criminal Sanctions, except for lawyers and court experts by court decision, are prohibited.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

29. Training of athletes (amateur athletes, professional athletes and recreational athletes) and sport competitions and tournaments for athletes in sports facilities (indoor and outdoor sports facilities - fields and swimming pools) are organised without spectators / fans, in a way that owners and users of sports facilities and sports organisations are obliged to ensure the application of temporary measures, as follows:

- Mandatory disinfection of training equipment and items that are shared by athletes, in accordance with recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro;

- Compliance with personal hygiene measures - regular hand hygiene, before and after the sports activity.

30. Companies and entrepreneurs who provide services in fitness centres and gyms are obliged to organise work in such a way that only one person per ten square meters may stay in the facility at the time, with a total of no more than 20 people, while respecting physical distance from at least two meters between users and ensuring compliance with other measures, in accordance with the instructions of the Public Health Institute.

31. Cyclists are not obliged to wear protective masks during individual rides or joint rides of members of the same family household. Cyclists in groups must wear protective masks.

32. Users of non - regulated bathing areas are obliged to respect a distance of at least 2m, except for members of joint family household.

HEALTH

33. Dental practices are obliged to organise work in such a way as to provide a system of mandatory patient appointments, to ensure that only one patient can stay in the waiting room (on 10 square metres) at any one time, while respecting the physical distance of at least 2 m between patients, to provide hand sanitizers to patients when entering/leaving the practice and to ensure that all employees follow work procedures and wear personal protective equipment, in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute and the Dental Chamber of Montenegro.

34. Other health care institutions are obliged to:

- ensure that all patients wear protective masks during their stay in the health institution (provided that the patients clinical condition allows the wearing of the mask and that the mask does not compromise the patients respiratory function) and ensure respect for physical distance of at least two meters between patients;

- prominently display a notice on valid temporary measures for prevention and control of the novel coronavirus in the health institution;

- provide hand sanitizer to patients at the entrance/exit of the health institution;

EDUCATION

35. During the discontinuation of educational work in public and private educational institutions and the application of the online learning system, based on the decision of the state administration body competent for education, one of the parents/guardians/foster parent/ adoptive parent or a single parent of a child under the age of 11 and of a child with special educational needs - developmental disabilities shall be provided with the right to paid absence from work.

Exceptionally, the right to paid absence from work is not ensured for employees in health, the Ministry of Defence, the National Security Agency, the Ministry of the Interior, the Police Directorate, the Customs Administration, the Tax Administration, the Real Estate Administration, the State Treasury Directorate in the Ministry of Finance who work on jobs to implement the Programme to provide support to the economy and employees in order to mitigate the negative effects of the novel coronavirus epidemic COVID - 19, the Directorate for Inspection Affairs, the Directorate for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosnitary Affairs, institutions for social and child protection, the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, protection and rescue services and other bodies, services and legal entities whose activity is an irreplaceable condition of life and work of citizens, except if both parents are employed by these employees.

Subsidies for paid parental absence are paid in accordance in accordance with the programme of providing support to the economy and employees, with the aim of mitigating the negative effects of the novel coronavirus epidemic COVID - 19.

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

36. Work of nightclubs/discos is prohibited.

37. The work of catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants and similar catering facilities), including catering facilities on beaches and bathing areas, is banned in the municipality of Žabljak (excluding the work of catering facilities for hotel guests in which guests are accommodated).

38. The work of catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants and similar catering facilities), including catering facilities on beaches and bathing areas, is restricted to the period from 06:00 to 22:00 in the Capital City Podgorica, the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje and in the municipalities: Bar, Budva and Ulcinj.

39. The work of catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants and similar catering facilities), including catering facilities on beaches and bathing areas is restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m in the municipalities of Andrijevica, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Danilovgrad, Gusinje, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Mojkovac, Nikšić, Petnjica, Plav, Pljevlja, Plužine, Rožaje, Šavnik, Tivat and Tuzi.
40. Companies, other legal entities and entrepreneurs in catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, hotel restaurants and similar catering facilities) are obliged to organise their work as follows:

- a maximum of two guests may sit at a table inside the catering facility or four guests on the terrace/garden of this facility (except they are members of a shared family household) in the municipalities of Andrijevica, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Danilovgrad, Gusinje, Herceg Novi, Kotor, Mojkovac, Nikšić, Petnjica, Plav, Pljevlja, Plužine, Rožaje, Šavnik, Tivat and Tuzi;
- a maximum of two guests may sit at a table inside the catering facility and on the terrace/garden of the facility (except they are members of a shared family household) in the Capital City Podgorica, the Old Royal Capital of Cetinje and the municipalities: Bar, Budva, and Ulcinj and the distance between backs of chairs must be at least 1m, for clients facing away from each other;
- self - service, waiting and standing in front of the bar is prohibited;
- a distance of at least two meters from all sides between tables must be provided, in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro;
- regular maintenance of hygiene and disinfection of common areas, furniture, equipment, etc. must be provided, in accordance with the recommendations of the Public Health Institute of Montenegro;
- hygienic waste disposal containers in the catering facility (inside the facility and on the terrace/garden) must be labelled.

41. Companies, legal entities and entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry who organise entertainment and music programmes are obliged to organise their work as follows:

- singers and musicians - members of the band/orchestra respect each other's physical distance of at least 2m;
- to ensure wearing of protective masks during entertainment and music programme, except for singers and musicians who play wind instruments;
- to provide a physical distance between guests on one side and singers and musicians-members of the band/orchestra on the other of at least 4m, and if this is not possible, guests and singers/musicians must be separated by transparent plexiglass panels at least 2m high; and
- to prohibit guests from dancing.

CONSTRUCTION

42. Companies, other legal entities or entrepreneurs who carry out construction work and are responsible for the execution of construction works on the facility, i.e. for the execution of certain works are obliged to:

- Ensure adherence to epidemiological measures, especially respecting physical distance between employees and other measures to ensure health protection;

- Clearly provide notices on the construction site, on the temporary prevention and control measures against the novel coronavirus;

- Prohibit all employees who carry out construction work on the construction site, during working hours, from leaving the construction site to procure food, etc;

- Provide food delivery to employees performing construction work on the construction site;

- Maintain physical distance during the organised transportation of employees from and to the construction site (bus or van).

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. It is recommended to all religious communities to perform religious rites in religious facilities, without the presenceof the public.

2. State authorities, public administration bodies, local self - government and local administration authorities, companies, public institutions and other legal persons, entrepreneurs, and individuals who carry out specific activities must establish a list of roles for which tasks can be feasibly performed from home.

3. Thereby, they should specify the jobs that it is possible to perform from home, and persons performing these tasks, who due to their health and other circumstances should not be exposed to the risk of becoming ill, as well as the methods of communication with employees performing tasks from home, and methods of ensuring meetings with those who perform tasks from home (via telephone, online...).

Source: Government of Montenegro

November 1, 2020 - An exhibition of photographs by Dusko Miljanic entitled "Faces of My Time" will be held at the Museum and Gallery on Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m.

Dusko Miljanic, a professional photographer from Tivat, was born in 1975, and has been living and working in Podgorica for the last two decades. He perfected his photography art within the Photo Cinema Club Podgorica, under the mentorship of one of the most important Montenegrin photographers, Vojo Radonjić. He graduated from the University of Audiovisual Arts ESRA, Department of Photography, in the class of prof. Robert Jankulosky. He has been hired as the official photographer of several companies and institutions, and he publishes photographs in various publications, magazines, books, monographs, and magazines around the world. He is also involved in art photography.

He was behind the Podgorica Photo Salon in 2006 and 2007. He has exhibited at over 70 joint exhibitions in the country and abroad, while he had his first solo exhibition in Prague in 2006. He has won numerous awards, the most important of which are FIAT (World Association of Art Photographers) and Sterijin for photography in theatrical art. His independent project, "Barvale," is not only a work of art but a step towards socially engaged photographic projects.

Visitors to the Tivat Museum and Gallery will have the opportunity to see a series of portraits of Duško's fellow citizens, older people from Tivat, and the initiators of significant community changes. These photos are a homage to the people who, through their social engagement, have contributed to the continuing authenticity of Tivat.

The exhibition will be opened by art historian Mirjana Dabović Pejović and professor of literature Neven Staničić.

The Museum and the gallery remind visitors to wear masks, keep the prescribed distance, and disinfect their hands when entering the gallery.