Well, the gates have come down. Here in Pridnestrovie, we are completely shut off from the rest of the world.

All borders have been closed, and no tourists are allowed in – only locals.

Apparently, Ukraine took it one step further, seen here blocking one of their own citizens from crossing out of PMR and into Ukraine:

The international news is saying that Montenegro is the only country in Europe without a confirmed case of the virus – but this isn’t true.

There are, currently, zero confirmed cases in Pridnestrovie. But since PMR doesn’t “count” as a country, apparently, viruses can’t exist here either ;)

Starting today, we’re in an official “state of emergency,” but it’s hard to see much difference. Schools, restaurants, and public gathering spots have already been closed for a week.

They are, however, now starting to do temperature checks of all shoppers entering grocery stores:

Buses and other forms of public transportation are still running, albeit on the “holiday” or reduced schedule. The local taxi company reduced its prices by 20% as a result.

Other than that, though, things seem pretty normal around here.

There are plenty of people out and about in the streets, including mothers pushing babies in strollers (UK: prams), and I’ve yet to see anyone wearing a mask.

In case they are needed, however, the local textile industry here (which is quite extensive) has already geared up to mass-produce masks.

Now it’s now just a question of waiting to see what will happen next…