From the beginning of June to the end of last week, the state spent around 300.000 euros for free PCR testing of tourists staying in Montenegro.
According to the data of the Institute for Public Health (IJZ), from the beginning of June to July 2, 5.689 PCR tests were performed on foreign citizens, the price of which in Montenegro is about fifty euros.
Less than one percent was positive - 44 people were registered with covid-19.
IJZ did not answer the questions of "Vijesti" about how many positive tourists were hospitalized, whether and how many of them required treatment in health centers and hospitals, how many were tested and positive by municipality...
According to unofficial information, infected tourists also enter the daily average of newly positive cases.
According to the data of the National Tourist Organization, there were about 5 tourists in Montenegro on July 62.000, which is nine times more than at the same time last year, and at the level of 70 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
It was announced to "Vijesta" from the health center in Bar that from June 1 to July 5, they tested 1.121 people who went on a trip.
CEO Branka Purlija she told "Vijesti" that so far they have not recorded abuses and that the Health Center Bar follows the instructions defined by the Ministry of Health.
"Tourists are familiar with them and respect them. PCR testing has stimulated tourists as well as private registered accommodation to regulate fees. It is a general economic benefit for all Baranes", said Purlija.
Since May 13, free PCR tests have been available in Montenegro for all foreign tourists who need a test to return to their country.
The health protocol for the tourist season stipulates that hospital treatment for tourists suffering from covid-19 during their stay in Montenegro will be free of charge.
"Vijesti" sources claim that at the beginning of the free testing, abuses were recorded, because some tourists used Montenegro as a base, from which they traveled several times to countries that require a negative PCR test and used the possibility of free diagnostics.
Last month, the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, issued an instruction for the treatment of health institutions, tourists and entrepreneurs engaged in the tourism activity of guest accommodation in relation to the conditions of PCR testing of foreign guests.
Director of IJZ Igor Galić he explained then that free PCR testing is possible for tourists who have proof of paid tax in one of the hotels or registered private accommodation in the territory of Montenegro, as well as guests who need a negative PCR test to return to the countries where they live.
"It is necessary that the owner of the accommodation, the agency or the tourist himself, at least 72 hours before the trip, call the Hygiene and Epidemiological Service of the local health center in the territory of the municipality where he registered the accommodation, in order to reserve the test, and that he is obliged to be present at the agreed time at the agreed place , because otherwise the testing will not be done", said Galić.
Compared to other countries whose economy is predominantly based on tourism, Montenegro has liberalized the measures related to entering the country much more.
Residents of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Croatia, Albania, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and North Macedonia, member states of the European Union, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Norway, Kazakhstan, the United States of America, Canada are allowed to enter Montenegro without a vaccination certificate or a coronavirus test. Citizens of other countries need a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours or a negative rapid antigen test up to 48 hours old and recognized in the European Union, a positive result of a serological test (IgG class antibodies) not older than 30 days or confirmation that they have been revaccinated before at least 14 days. It is possible to enter Montenegro with a positive PCR test, as proof that they have recovered from the coronavirus at least 14 days before arrival. This test must not be older than 90 days.
Neighboring Croatia requires a vaccination certificate from the countries of the region, a medical certificate that the guest has recovered from the virus or a negative PCR test.
It is possible to go on vacation in Turkey with a certificate that you were revaccinated two weeks ago, as well as with a negative PCR test or a certificate of a past infection that is no older than 180 days.
Greece requires a certificate of revaccination, a positive PCR test done in the last six months but not older than 30 days, a negative PCR or a rapid antigen test.
You can enter Egypt with a confirmation that at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of the vaccine or with a negative PCR test. Cyprus recognizes proof of vaccination against the coronavirus or a negative PCR test, while Albania can be entered without special conditions.
Malta has decided to attract tourists by offering all foreign guests up to 200 euros if they stay in the country for at least three days.
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