Based on the number of new COVID-19 cases dropping in Macedonia, the Commission for Infectious Diseases has proposed to the Coordination Crisis Headquarters to lift some restrictions, according to the Ministry of Health.
The commission has recommended the government lift the outdoor mask mandate as of June 1. Masks will still have to be worn indoors, on public transit, and wherever distance cannot be maintained.
The proposal includes lifting the ban on outdoor gatherings, with masks remaining mandatory for all gatherings. Weddings and outdoor celebrations may soon be allowed outdoors, with no more than 100 attendees filling up to 50 percent of the venue’s capacity. Only up to six people may be seated at a table.
Restaurants, bars and coffeehouses with outdoor seating may soon also be allowed to seat six people at a table. As before, they are allowed to stay open until 11:30 pm.
The midnight to 4 am curfew remains in place, the Ministry of Health notes.
Outdoor sporting events, according to the proposal, may be held in front of viewers occupying up to 30 percent of the seats.
Over the next two weeks, the Commission for Infectious Diseases in cooperation with event organizers will develop special protocols for holding outdoor concerts and other events, which if the proposal is adopted may also be allowed from June 15.
“The situation is stable, but experience has shown us it can easily deteriorate if guidelines are not followed,” the Ministry of Health press release says, urging citizens and businesses to adhere to public health protection protocols.
