After 68 days, since the first recorded case, Montenegro is currently free of coronavirus, the Institute of Public Health announced today, 24.05.2020 at 18h.

Montenegro is a country of more than a thousand year history, constantly in wars but never fully conquered. It is "unconquerable land, glorious as Sparta" written by eminent university professor from Paris, Gaston Rupnel.

They say that the freedom is always acquired by trying, over and over again. This is true in case of Montenegro, a tiny country in the Balkans. Montenegro is a land of warriors, always on alert, whether it is a 500 year war with the Ottoman Empire, or present day war against the coronavirus. With no active cases, we have definitely won the battle against coronavirus.

"According to the estimates of eminent health experts, the 'winners' of the crisis so far are countries that are close to eradicating the virus, and among them is Montenegro, which is predicted to be one of the world's first corona-free zones," said Kukavicic, director of National Tourism Organization of Montenegro.

Island of St. Stephan is one of the most picturesque spots in Adriatic sea.

Coronavirus update in Montenegro

Montenegro has resisted the disease for the long time, up until 17th March when first case was registered. It was the last corona-free country in Europe, and according to the announcements of epidemiologists, it is the first to get rid of it. Montenegro has conducted bold, comprehensive and timely preparations for addressing the pandemic.

Montenegro has taken a holistic approach in implementing a response to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the data of infected cases clearly confirms that the whole system, and with it the entire country, is effectively implementing the strategy for addressing the pandemic.

Moreover, Montenegro conducted the highest number of Covid-19 tests per million of inhabitants in the region. Since yesterday's situation with only one case still active, laboratories have completed the analysis of 140 samples, among which there were no positive cases recorded.

Up until now, there were total of 324 registered cases of COVID-19 of which 315 are recovered and 9 unfortunately passed away. Currently, there are no active cases in Montenegro.

The statistics look good, and we are hoping that the situation will remain as it is. The result that Montenegro has achieved so far is a result of a hard and thorough work of institutions in charge, primarily health system, and the understanding of the necessary precautions by all citizens of Montenegro. We are proud on our country, as Montenegrin example is a great example of how every system should function.

Highest peak of Durmitor National Park, Bobotov kuk at 2523 meters above sea level

Life in Montenegro during coronavirus

The government of Montenegro did everything in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, even before Montenegro started counting infected. Most of the businesses ceased its operations and moving through Montenegro was limited.

When numerous states closed its borders, Montenegro kept its borders open and brought thousands of citizens from vulnerable areas to Montenegro. Majority of Montenegrin citizens which at the moment of corona outbreak were in other countries, were evacuated to Montenegro. All of them had to self-isolate for 28 days or have been sent in institutionalized quarantine for 14 days and afterwards additional 14 days in self-isolation.

From these strict measures, passed on Mid-March, when pandemic was about to start, the further measures were abolished as the number of infected cases decreased. The Government’s decision to loosening the lock-down is based on a number of factors and expert recommendations aimed at protecting the public.

Currently, the life in Montenegro is slowly returning to normal: shops, craft shops, transportation companies and taxi drivers that have not been operating since 15th March, started operating on 4th of May. All the other businesses started operating on 15th May 2020. Travel between cities is available again, the restaurants, coffee shops and bars are open, with strict distancing measures put in place. It is also possible to visit beaches and national parks, of course, with necessary precautions. The public gatherings such as weddings, religious gatherings and funerals are still not allowed. The opening of the borders for international travel will be the last measure that will be adopted in Montenegro.

As of today, Montenegro is safest corona-free country in Mediterranean

It is very encouraging that the pandemic in Montenegro is on a downward trajectory - there are no positive cases registered at the moment - and we hope that the moment of stabilization of other countries in the region and the world will also come soon and free travel will be possible again.

Furthermore, it is encouraging that the European Commission recommends opening of the borders on 15th June and this will apply not only to European Union countries, but also to the countries of the Western Balkans, including Montenegro.

"The official proclamation of the end of the epidemic is not defined by law, but it is common among the profession to declare it when no one in the country has been infected with the virus for 28 days. When it comes to the very act of declaring the end of the epidemic, in practice it does not mean that the risk has disappeared, so we must learn to live with the ubiquitous risk of contracting the new corona virus, especially given the frequency of asymptomatic carriers", epidemiologist Senad Begic, Deputy Director of the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, said.

We are looking forward to 02.06.2020 when it will be 28 days since the last coronavirus case discovered and Montenegro will officially declare the war won.

Extraordinary nature in north of Montenegro.

Easing the coronavirus measures in Montenegro

As of 22nd May, the first measure in releasing restrictions in air travel has been eased. It is possible to travel to Montenegro with a small plane or helicopter of up to 10 persons, with a required negative test on coronavirus.

The Government of Montenegro will soon make the decision of when the last measure will be eased - opening the borders in order to allow international travel, which will probably be followed by set of measures in order to try to control the coronavirus import.

According to the present situation, Montenegro did a great job and we are looking forward to Montenegro remaining without active cases of coronavirus. We are yet to see how this summer season will come to pass.

Tara bridge in Tara canyon, second deepest canyon in the world.Photo: Pixabay

Travelling to Montenegro

The Montenegrin economy is a service based economy, with a share of services, including tourism, exceeding 70% of the GDP. Based on the latest data of the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro, direct and indirect travel and tourism account for about 22% of the total GDP. Before the appearance of coronavirus, Montenegro was becoming one of the fastest growing tourism economies in the world.

Lovcen National Park, Lake peak at 1657 meters.

Montenegro offers unique experiences on both south and north in just one day

Nestled in the Balkans, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, lies Montenegro. There is no other place on the earth with such an exceptional nature, diverse climate, rich culture and extraordinary history in such a small, compact place (13 812 km2).

Montenegro is a unique destination because you are able to reach any area within the borders in only 2-3 hours of driving (it takes about 2h 30 mins from one side to another, from its snow-capped peaks in the north, to the beautiful Adriatic Sea in the south). It also feels like travelling through seasons as you are able to swim and see the snow in one single day. Not only can you trek, hike, bike, drive, swim, sunbathe, explore medieval towns, dine and dive, but you can also have an amazing night life.

Due to its strategic position, through the centuries, everyone had the ambition to conquer it. Through the ages, different rulers left its seal on architecture of the cities in Montenegro, and travelling across the country will make you feel like travelling through time. Most significant influences are the ones from Venetia, Ottoman Empire and Austro-Hungaria.

Montenegro is a country of amazing natural contrasts

Montenegro (translated "Black mountain") got its name from the dark forests that cover the land. About 60 percent of the country is more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high, with the tallest peak being Zla Kolata reaching to 2,534 metres (8,314 ft). There are 186 mountain peaks above 2000 meters above sea level. On the northern side of Montenegro you will find spectacular, untouched nature everywhere you look. Glacial lakes and canyons are waiting to be explored. We suggest visiting Tara canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world and UNESCO protected site.

Montenegro is proud of its 5 national parks, each one as diverse as it gets and there is plenty of room for exploring.

The biggest Balkan lake and a natural bird reserve of more than 281 bird species, Skadar Lake (also a National Park) is located in Montenegro. It is ideal for all kinds of active holidays, kayaking, hiking, trekking, boat cruising and swimming,

One of the best spots in Skadar Lake National Park, Pavlova strana, photo: Shutterstock

“At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea must have happened at the coast of Montenegro. When the pearls of nature were sown, handfuls of them were cast on this soil.” Lord Byron

The coast of Montenegro is 294 km (183 miles) long. There are 117 beaches in total. The natural beauty of Montenegro`s coast is dramatic, mountains of more than 1000 meters dropping down to mirrored water in the UNESCO heritage Kotor bay, the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea with its dramatic cliffs, caves, small bays, pebble and sandy beaches along it. Bay of Kotor, a fjord-like gulf is one of the most beautiful bays in the world and one of the most visited spots in this part of Europe. For more information, click on the photo bellow.

Experience our bespoke tours and luxury adventures in our 5 national parks or the sea side. We organize tours in Montenegro for all levels and interest: small group travel, solo travel, couples travel, families, LGBT, enthusiasts.

Feel free to contact us for any additional info on Montenegro or booking our tours.

Resources:

http://www.gov.me/naslovna - Gouvernment of Montenegro

https://www.ijzcg.me/ - Institute of Public Health of Moontenegro

Montenegro is the first coronavirus free country in Europe