North Macedonia's Government extended on Monday a curfew from 8 pm to 5 am and closed all cafes and restaurants, gyms, and bookmakers to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus epidemic.

The new restrictions will start on Tuesday. Previously, the curfew began at 10 pm.

During the ban on movements, people would be allowed to walk pets from 10 to 11 pm, a hundred meters away from flats or houses.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said the new regulations would be in force until April 20 and warned the new wave of the epidemic, with the British strain, was much more dangerous than the previous one.

The restrictions are introduced ahead of Easter celebrated on May 2, according to the Julian calendar, and are expected to reduce the virus spread and pressure on the health system.

The ban on more than four people gathering remains in force, while delivery service is allowed.

Also on Monday, North Macedonia started a mass vaccination.

At the same time, Serbia, where Easter is also celebrated according to the Julian calendar, on Monday relaxed the existing anti-epidemic measures and extending the catering working hours.