Several coronavirus restrictions will be eased from Saturday, May 15, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced at a press conference on Thursday evening, after meeting with the prime minister and epidemiological authorities. Starting tomorrow, apart from a few exceptions, outside mask-wearing is no longer obligatory, while the night curfew will also be lifted, Iohannis said.
After the discussion, Iohannis presented the timetable for the lifting of coronavirus measures up until autumn. The first phase will begin this weekend, May 15, when outside mask-wearing will no longer be required with the exception of markets, fairs and bus stops. Klaus Iohannis stressed that in enclosed spaces, mask-wearing remains mandatory.
From Saturday, the night curfew will also be lifted, citizens may leave their homes without restriction, even after 22:00. This also means that shops can stay open without any restriction as well, Iohannis said. Also from May 15, spectators may enjoy outdoor sports events, but only up to 25 percent of the capacity of the venue. Starting June 1, indoor arenas can also welcome spectators, Iohannis announced, although he did not detail the capacity restriction. The president did add that the number of spectators can be increased if all of them are vaccinated.
The second phase of easing starts on June 1, when open-air weddings, baptisms and other family events will be permitted with the participation of a maximum of 70 persons. In the case of indoor events, a maximum of 50 people will be allowed to attend. However, if all of the guests can prove they are vaccinated, there is no restriction on the number of attendees. According to Iohannis, on July 1, as well as on August 1, the maximum number of guests will be increased.
Klaus Iohannis added that the scenarios for in-person education will not change: In settlements with an infection rate higher than 1 percent, only a portion of the students can go to school at the same time.
According to the president, further relaxations depend on a decrease in the infection rate and the achievement of the goals regarding the vaccination rate – reaching 5 million vaccinated people by June 1, 6 million by July 1 and 7 million by August 1. The president also added, they will examine the epidemiological situation at the end of the summer, and depending on these results, they will discuss plans for further easing.
The detailed timetable for the gradual lifting of epidemiological measures will be developed by the National Committee for Emergency Situations and adopted – presumably today – by the government.
As of May 13, a total of 6,409,083 anti-coronavirus vaccines had been administered in Romania, with 1,169,619 people receiving their first dose and 2,619,732 both doses. From May 12 to 13, 103,233 people were vaccinated.
Title image: The first phase of relaxation will begin this weekend when outside mask-wearing will no longer be required with the exception of markets, fairs and bus stops. Photo: capital.ro
