Due to the spread of coronavirus in the territory of the Republic of Serbia and the measures restricting the movement of citizens over 65 years of age as a particularly vulnerable group, the Government of the Republic of Serbia and other institutions and organizations provide assistance to the elderly and give recommendations and advice for this population group, as well as for others individuals regarding the treatment of the elderly.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has established a single contact center for providing assistance to the elderly, which the elderly can get by dialing 19920. By calling that number, the elderly can turn for assistance in terms of food, medicines and other issues to the city and municipal centers, where volunteers, who will provide them with assistance, are engaged. The calling of a contact center is free for the users of all networks, both landline and mobile ones.

Also, the Government has launched a single COVID-19 contact center on 19819, through which all the citizens can obtain advice and recommendations from experts in the fight against coronavirus, as well as establish contact with the competent professional services throughout the country.

Red Cross of Serbia has published a series of recommendations for the elderly (https://www.redcross.org.rs/sr/vesti/virus-korona-covid-19-preporuke-za-starije-osobe/ ), which address the risks, symptoms and protection of the elderly from becoming infected with the virus, as well as the preservation of  mental health of the elderly during isolation, informing the elderly, during the epidemic, about specific advice, for instance, regarding the going of the elderly  shopping. The list of shops operating in the period when the elderly can go shopping (Sundays between 4 am and 7 am) was published by the Government of the Republic of Serbia on https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/453120/objavljen-spisak-prodavnica-koje-ce-raditi-nedeljom-od-4-do-7-casova.php

The Amity organization has prepared a number of recommendations for the elderly, their relatives and neighbors regarding the coronavirus. Amity advises senior citizens on how to adjust to the new situation and establish a daily routine, how to protect their health, and who they can contact if they live alone or with people who are also elderly or sick. This organization calls on all citizens to show solidarity, as well as to provide emotional support to the elderly, which is extremely important to them in the new circumstances. Amity recommendations are available on http://socijalnoukljucivanje.gov.rs/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/amity_preporuke_starijima_i_srodnicima_16.3.2020.pdf

Source: Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Team and Coordination Body