The authorities of Sarajevo Canton announced on Wednesday a set of measures to contain a new surge in the coronavirus spread, which among other restrictions include the public gathering ban for more than 30 people and allowing the groups of ten or less in private gatherings.

The new measures are coming into effect on Thursday, February 25, the day after Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded nearly 600 new coronavirus cases and while it is still awaiting the first delivery of coronavirus vaccines to start the inoculation of its population.

Among other measures, the authorities also set as the mandatory wearing of face masks that would cover mouth and nose both outdoors and indoors, except for the children below the age of seven, the primary school students from 1st to 5th grade during the class, the persons with disabilities and those doing sports or other activities in sports facilities.

A two-metre physical distance remains mandatory both outdoors and indoors.

The hospitality businesses, cinemas, theatres and museums were ordered to adjust their work to the measures, with a special accent on the number of those allowed in a building.

It was also recommended that all religious services, when possible, are performed via TV or radio or any other way that would enable the faithful to attend without gathering in the religious buildings.

Implementation of these and other measures that have been introduced will be monitored by the Sarajevo Canton Interior Ministry. The inspection services said they would intensify the controls on the ground.