Second wave of virus has Balkans in its grip

Countries in the western Balkans are among the worst hit in Europe’s rising second wave of Covid-19 infections – having been some of the first to declare an end to the pandemic. Croatia and Montenegro, both popular holiday destinations that have been keen to open their borders, are now battling fresh outbreaks. ‘‘The holiday season increased the frequency of travel to the neighbouring countries and further southeast,’’ said Bojana Beovic, the state epidemiologist for Slovenia, which has reintroduced compulsory mask wearing in indoor public places.