How to Survive Social Distancing During a Pandemic

The current situation is such that we have to stay at home, and if we need to go out, the distance between two people must be at least 2 meters. These are probably the two "hardest meters" in someone's life these days. And that's the truth. This situation that requires us to distance ourselves from others is not easy at all, and experts say we shouldn't pretend that it is. People are coping with the coronavirus pandemic in different ways - some act as if nothing is happening, others don't understand the seriousness of the situation, while others are simply thoughtless. But one thing is certain, everyone is trying to survive the situation we are in in their own way.

If you feel anxiety, worry, fear, or sadness, you need to know that you are not alone. These are feelings that are common to everyone in times of high-stress crisis situations.

Below, we provide phone numbers that you can call when you are not feeling well. Don't hesitate to seek help!

Psychological counseling for citizens

Since the state of emergency was introduced in Serbia, the Blue Phone for psychological counseling related to the coronavirus situation has been operational. Anyone who feels fear or anxiety, has difficulty coping with isolation, or needs any advice from experts can anonymously call the number 0800 503 05. The Blue Phone operates from 9 am to 5 pm.

The Ministry of Health has immediately opened a special telephone line for psychosocial support to citizens after the declaration of the state of emergency. The phone number is 0800 309 309.

The Institute of Mental Health has established a dedicated helpline for individuals aged 18 and above - 0631751 150.

One of the best aspects of the social network Facebook is the groups that offer psychological support to fellow citizens. The "Let's Talk About It" Group has gathered psychotherapists who, on their own initiative, want to help citizens who feel scared, isolated, and lonely. The group emphasizes that the support they offer is a personal voluntary act of individuals. On their page, you can find a list of psychologists and psychotherapists who are ready to provide assistance at any time.

Another group is the Assistance to Fellow Citizens in Quarantine - Serbia. Its purpose is to bring together those who are in quarantine and those who want to help. Assistance can be anything - from going to the store to walking a dog.

Support for parents and students

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development offers psychosocial support to education employees, parents, and students through the SOS hotline 0800 200 201. The phone line is available every working day from 9 am to 2 pm. The ministry states that the goal of implementing this hotline is prevention and stress reduction in a state of emergency.

Parent Association from Belgrade has opened an information center for parenting concerns during the pandemic. Those in need of assistance can contact them via email at info@roditelj.org.

Red Cross helpline for citizen support in isolation is 011 26 22 965 and is open every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Call centers for individuals over 65 years old

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, citizens of Serbia over the age of 65 are completely restricted from movement. Crisis headquarters in cities and municipalities have published telephone numbers for elderly citizens who need delivery of groceries, medications, and medical assistance. In addition to municipal districts helping elderly citizens organize assistance, the Red Cross, social welfare centers, Civil Protection, the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia, and Municipal Police are also involved.

Almost all Belgrade municipalities have published telephone numbers and instructions on their websites for citizens in need of assistance. Distribution of flyers with information for seniors without internet access is also organized. In agreement with building administrators, the information is posted at entrances.

Call centers for individuals over 65 years old operate from 8 am to 5 pm. When calling, citizens should inform call center operators about the necessary groceries and the urgency, and volunteers will then deliver them to their address.

Call centers:

Vračar Municipality: 3081-455; 
Palilula Municipality: 3348-784, 3243-118, 3349-336, 3240-049, 3232-578, 3236-510, 6352-000, 2694-429, 3236-501, and 3236-223; 
Savski Venac Municipality: 2061-800, 2061-719, 2061-720, 2061-729, 2061-886, and 2061-747; 
Čukarica Municipality: 3052-231, 3052-119, 3052-380, and 3052-131; 
Grocka Municipality: 6304-094 and 6304-079; 
Obrenovac Municipality: 8726-463 and 8726-412; 
Lazarevac Municipality: 2121-507 and 8126-500; 
Voždovac Municipality: 2457-931; 
Mladenovac Municipality: 8241-652 and 8241-634; 
Zemun Municipality: 6350-012, 3778-470, and 3168-088; 
Zvezdara Municipality: 7850-350 and 3405-700; 
Rakovica Municipality: 3051-801, 3051-802, 3051-803, 3051-804, 3051-806, 3051-807, 3051-808, 3051-809, 3051-810, 3051-812, 3051-745, 3051-744, 7850-143, 7850-141, 7850-151, 7850-137, 7850-152, 7850-140, 7850-146, 7850-145, and 7850-147; 
Sopot Municipality: 8251-211; 
Barajevo Municipality: 8302-118; 
Surčin Municipality: 8443-281 and 8443-759.

"Stay at Home" Portal

The City of Belgrade has launched the Stay at Home portal of municipal crisis headquarters (https://ostanikodkuce.beograd.gov.rs/). This portal also organizes assistance to citizens over 65 years old, the most vulnerable citizens, as well as donations and volunteering.

Experts warn that cases of domestic violence will significantly increase in a state of emergency, emphasizing that not only women but also children are victims of violence. Women experiencing domestic violence can call a 24-hour helpline at 062 30 45 60.