The Montenegrin National Body for Contagious Diseases decided on Tuesday to declare a state of epidemic in the country, after the previous epidemic had been officially declared over on June 2.

The move followed the new surge in cases which started in mid-June. By Tuesday, Montenegro reported a total of 1,920 cases and 26 deaths to date.

As of Wednesday, wearing face masks has been made mandatory both indoor and outdoors. Children older than seven also must wear masks – the only exception being Adriatic beaches, and national parks, provided they keep a minimum 2-metre physical distance from everybody else.

Public gatherings are now limited to a maximum of 40 people in outdoor venues and a maximum of 20 people indoors, with mandatory physical distancing.

Night clubs remain closed until further notice, and weddings and similar events remain banned.