As of October 15, the state of alert in Romania is extended for another 30 days. The decision was announced on Tuesday by Minister for Health Nelu Tătaru and Head of the Department for Emergency Situations Raed Arafat just after the meeting of the National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU). As Tătaru pointed out, the number of new COVID-19 cases is on a sharp rise in Romania, with more than 3,000 infections reported on several consecutive days. Furthermore, the number of coronavirus cases registered in a single day hit a new record high this Wednesday, with 4,016 infections reported. The resolution the CNSU adopted on Tuesday banned all private events, amongst them weddings and christenings; the activity of restaurants, coffee shops and theaters will also be progressively reduced.
According to the resolution of the CNSU, in localities/counties where the cumulative total of new coronavirus cases recorded in the last two weeks is lower than or equal to three per 1,000 inhabitants, everyone above 5 years of age is obliged to wear a protective facemask in open public spaces, such as markets, fairs, waiting areas, (bus stations, platforms); in areas where public gatherings are held; in the vicinity of landmarks and shopping areas; and in proximity to schools, within a distance of 50 meters from the school’s perimeter.
In localities or counties where the cumulative incidence of infections registered during the last two weeks exceeds three per 1,000 inhabitants, mask-wearing is compulsory in all open public spaces for everyone over 5 years of age.
It remains mandatory nationwide to use face masks in closed public spaces, in shopping centers, on all means of public transportation and at workplaces. The regulations in force regarding the organization of demonstrations, rallies, processions, concerts and other types of gatherings held in open spaces remain in effect, just as the measures concerning cultural, scientific, artistic and sports activities, which mandate that all such events be organized indoors. CNSU decided that sports competitions can be held, but without an audience. Church services are still allowed to take place – both indoors and outdoors – with respect to the epidemiological protection measures.
The resolution of the CNSU bans all private events nationwide; it is forbidden to organize weddings, christenings, or any kinds of festive meals indoors and outdoors as well. Furthermore, personnel at residential homes for the elderly are obliged from now on to get tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis.
The National Committee for Emergency Situations has also revised the list of countries considered to be zones of high epidemiological risk. If people arriving from these states plan to stay more than three days in Romania, they are obliged to go into compulsory isolation for a period of 14 days. Travelers, who can present a negative COVID-19 test at the border and do not intend to stay more than three days are exempt from mandatory home quarantine. The test should not be older than 48 hours.
The entry restrictions are to be imposed upon arrivals from: Israel, Andorra, Montenegro, Bahrain, Aruba, Argentina, Guam, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Spain, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, The Republic of Moldova, France, the Netherlands, Gibraltar, French Polynesia, Lebanon, Belgium, the Republic of Panama, The Republic of Cape Verde, the United States of America, Peru, Kuwait, Columbia, Brazil, Armenia, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Oman, Puerto Rico, Gibraltar, Malta, Slovakia.
Title image: Minister for Health Nelu Tătaru (L) and Head of Emergency Services Department Raed Arafat at the press conference (R)
Source: romania.europalibera.org
