Health Minister Venko Filipche said Monday that he would put forward a motion at tomorrow’s Government session that all economic operators close by 11pm, that the capacity of public transport is half-full, and that the work process in administration, municipalities, courts and wherever possible is conducted in shifts, rotations or from home.

“This is the last step before a curfew is enforced,” said Minister Filipche while elaborating on the 14-day analysis of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

These measures will add to the amendments of the Law on protection of the population from communicable diseases, which is already in parliamentary procedure. These changes, set to enter into force by the week-end, include restrictions of groupings by 10pm and a limited number of people at family gatherings.

Filipche said the virus is spread everywhere, adding that the number of patients is increasing and the hospital capacities are filling up.

“There are still no patients in the modular hospital next to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, but it is fully prepared both from staffing and equipment standpoints. The entire staff in the September 8 hospital is working on this issue. Infectious diseases departments in Strumica, Kumanovo, Shtip, Prilep are already full, the Gostivar hospital is almost full, another department has opened in Bitola,” he added.

He told citizens that the situation is very serious and the next step would be movement restrictions, i.e. curfew.

“Let’s all make the necessary efforts, because this is the only way,” said Filipche and noted that the region and Europe are facing the same challenge.