Trade, Tourism and Telecommunication Minister Rasim Ljajic said that Chinese tourists cancelled their previously arranged trips for February, March and first half of April over the coronavirus outbreak, but that no business arrangement has been cancelled so far. The minister also said there was no need to spread panic in Serbia.

Speaking to Prva TV, Ljajic said that none of the earlier contracts and business arrangements was cancelled but that their implementation has slowed down. Also, he said, the export of wood and wood materials has been temporarily halted.

According to the minister, Serbia has not recorded the increase in the purchase of basic groceries, which is present in some parts of Europe due to the fears over coronavirus epidemic.

In a meeting with supermarket chains’ representatives, the minister was told that their stocks of goods are sufficient and that there is no need for the citizens to stock up on basic groceries or other items at their homes.

“Nobody’s diminishing the peril of coronavirus but there is no need here for such panic or hysteria,” the minister stressed, noting that it is necessary to maintain good communication with citizens and to timely inform them.

Ljajic also said Serbia has not cancelled any flights departing from its airports.