"Cafes and shopping malls to stay open. Economy in Belgrade must not stop."

Photo: Tanjug/Tara Radovanovic

Deputy Mayor of Belgrade Goran Vesic said today that Belgrade is not an ordinary local self-government because it makes up for 40 percent of the country's GDP, so any attempt to stop the economy in the capital would certainly reflect on the GDP.

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"In agreement with owners of retail chains, shopping malls, restaurants and cafes, we are trying to find a way for them to continue working, while respecting all (anti-coronavirus) measures. In Belgrade, 20,000 people earn a living in the hospitality sector and the economy must not stop," Vesic told TV Pink.

When it comes to the need to introduce restrictive measures in Belgrade, Vesic pointed out that appeals have so far proved to be more than enough.

As he stressed, we must all be responsible and make our contribution in order to get out of the epidemic as soon as possible, and for the economy to continue to work at the same time.

"In Belgrade, we have so far managed to find a measure, that is, that shops, restaurants and shopping centers continue to work, as on the other hand, the measures prescribed by epidemiologists are implemented. My appeal to all owners of hospitality establishments is for everyone to respect the measures, that they organize on the basis of the advice of epidemiologists, protect their employees and their guests, and in that way they and the economy will continue to work," said the deputy mayor.

Vesic pointed out that the situation with public transport is good, and thanked passengers who respect the measures of the Government of Serbia, thus showing social responsibility.

As he stressed, according to analyses, as many as 95 percent of passengers using city transport respect the measure of mandatory wearing of masks and are in that way behaving responsibly.

"Masks are mandatory in public transport and protect passengers inside vehicles. Those who do not wear masks, endanger others and we will have to work on making them understand that a mask is obligatory in public transport," stated Vesic.

(Telegraf.rs)