The Zaev Government announced a new set of coronavirus restrictions, meant to prevent holding New Year parties.

In a joint press conference, Zaev and his Healthcare Minister Venko Filipce said that restaurants and bars will be ordered to close by 18h, instead of the current closing time of 21h. The ban on gathering in public spaces remains in effect, and given the fact that it is widely ignored, inspectors are urged to ramp up compliance. The Government recommends a ban on New Year parties on town squares, but this is not a strict order. Companies are banned from holding parties for their employees and, as before, citizens are urged not to leave their homes after 18h, unless necessary.

The orders and recommendations are in effect until January 21.