SKOPJE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Venko Filipce, Health Minister of North Macedonia, on Thursday called for citizens' cooperation in respecting personal protective measures as the country prepares to ease restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking at a Facebook video communication, Filipce said only through joined efforts can the situation be overcome.

Filipce expressed his belief that the country will come out of the coronavirus crisis "much stronger and wiser," adding that people will understand that civic solidarity, support for the institutions and mutual assistance are important.

"As the country is opening up," the minister noted, "we will face two challenges -- to become accustomed to respect health measures or to disrespect them and risk reintroduction of more restrictive measures."

According to Filipce, the situation across the country is stable and the current strategy has yielded results.

"The virus will not go away, so we must learn to live with it for an extended period of time," he said, underlining that citizens' responsibility is even greater now.

On Wednesday, Filipce declared that borders will be fully open after June 15 and that the authorities are coordinating with neighboring countries like Albania, Greece and Bulgaria in this regard.

The government is expected to decide within this week on the opening of bars and restaurants across the country.

The Health Ministry reported 38 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, raising the total number of confirmed cases in North Macedonia to 2,077, with 1,486 recoveries and 121 fatalities. Enditem

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