Montenegro's health authorities on Wednesday registered 874 new cases of coronavirus, and new restrictions are being imposed on the capital Podgorica and some other cities due to a continuous growth in infections on a daily basis.

The country’s public health institute informed that in the past 24 hours 2,004 samples were tested with 874 proving positive to coronavirus.

“The total number of people currently infected is 5,638 which is 895 per 100,000 population,” the institute said. Similar to preceding days, the biggest cluster of positive cases is in Podgorica.

The sudden increase in the number of people infected is caused by the disrespect for epidemiological measures and mass gatherings, epidemiologists warned, particularly during the funeral for a Serb Orthodox dignitary attended by thousands of citizens.

The health institute has decided to ramp up epidemiological measures in Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva and Ulcinj which will enter into force at midnight Friday.

All hospitality facilities and schools will be shut down and gatherings will be banned in public and private premises except for household members.

These measures will be in force for 14 days.

These measures brought results in several towns in September and October after political rallies were held ahead of the parliamentary elections and when the number of people infected jumped drastically. Epidemiologists believe the same results will occur in Podgorica where one-third of Montenegro’s population lives.