Some Balkan nations impose more virus restrictions

Several western Balkan countries have imposed further restrictive measures aimed to curb the rapid spread of the new coronavirus.

Croatian Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic on Saturday announced the stoppage of all inter-city traffic by train or bus.

Bozinovic said this was to keep the fluctuation of movement between cities to minimum, while travel to and from the country's islands would be ended for all apart from those who live there.

A shipment of medical kit arrived in the Croatian capital to help its health service deal with the outbreak, with donations coming from various nations including the United Arab Emirates.

Croatia, which has reported 168 virus cases, had earlier banned all public gatherings closed schools and all shops and restaurants.

Meanwhile in Bosnia, which has announced fewer than 100 cases similar restrictions have been in place for a week now, adding a mandatory curfew that will kick in from Saturday night.

Residents have been complying with the rules, as main streets and parks in central Sarajevo were virtually empty.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.