Skopje, 17 August 2021 (MIA) — As of Sept. 1, everyone entering North Macedonia must show proof of being fully vaccinated or having recovered from Covid-19, or a negative PCR test result that is no older than 72 hours. At the same time, schools will reopen fully, in person, for all grades, the government decided at a session Tuesday. Nationals returning to the country after Sept. 1 without a negative PCR test or proof of either vaccination or recovery will be ordered to isolate at home for a week. People transiting through the country will be given 5 hours to do so after signing a statement upon entering the country and showing it to officials at the border. As of Aug. 18, hospitality establishments are also to require proof that their patrons have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative. Additionally, at the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science backed by the Commission for Infectious Diseases, the government decided that schools should reopen in full, in line with Covid-19 protocols, and start the 2021-2022 school year in person. "Exceptions may apply to children with rare diseases or disabilities, children from families with chronically ill family members, at the request of their parents, as well as for other, non-medical reasons with the school's permission," the government's press release says. If the epidemiological situation deteriorates, the release adds, two other scenarios are possible: switching to online-only instruction or a hybrid model of learning. mr/