Romania ends state of alert
Romania lifts all Covid-19 restrictions from 9th March.
Roxana Vasile, 09.03.2022, 14:00
The Romanian authorities have decided to no longer extend the state of alert beyond 8th March and have lifted all restrictions to contain the Covid pandemic. More than two years after the first Covid-19 case was reported at the end of February 2020, Romania has recorded almost 2.8 million cases and some 65,000 related deaths, having passed through five pandemic waves.
Wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory but the health ministry recommends people continue to wear it in crowded places, as the virus is still spreading. Health minister Alexandru Rafila:
“[We recommend] wearing a face mask in outdoor crowded places, such in markets and other such places, on public transport and in enclosed spaces, including hospitals and schools. We also recommend avoiding crowded places, both outdoors and indoors, as well as frequent hand washing, using antiseptic, and where there are signs of infection, testing and consulting the family doctor or going to the emergency hospital in case of severe symptoms for evaluation and the administration of specific antiviral medication.”
In other words, hospitals will continue to treat Covid patients, testing facilities will still be open, as will the Covid and post-Covid medical evaluation centres. The health minister explains:
“The medical facilities that have so far treated Covid patients will continue to provide this service – 5,000 Covid patients are currently in hospital and they must receive treatment, but as their number decreases, hospitals will go back to treating other patients depending on their specialisation so health care services can also gradually go back to normal.”
Isolation is also no longer obligatory for people infected with Covid and all restrictions on access to public spaces have been lifted. Cultural, scientific, artistic, religious, sports and entertainment activities can be held without any restriction. The same applies to concerts, demonstrations, rallies and any other type of outdoor gathering. The Covid pass is no longer required for entering shops and public institutions. Neither is the passenger locator form necessary when entering Romania from abroad. The authorities are, however, advising caution and personal responsibility. (CM)
