May 3, 2021 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 03.05.2021, 19:15

Pandemic Romania. 682 new coronavirus cases and
98 related fatalities were recorded in Romania on Monday, with more than 1,200
Covid patients still in intensive care. Bucharest and 13 of Romania’s 41
counties are in the so-called amber zone, with the rest in the green zone. The
incidence rate continued to drop in Bucharest to hit 2.62 cases per 1,000
residents, which allows restaurants and performance venues to reopen for
business indoors at 30% capacity beginning on Monday. The Bucharest prefect
Alin Stoica said all businesses, including performance venues and restaurants,
can stay open until 9 pm. People’s night-time movement outside their homes is
still not allowed after 10 pm. The restrictions in place will next be reviewed
when the incidence rate hits 1.5 cases per 1,000 residents, when a further
relaxation is expected. Performance venues and restaurants will be able to open
at 50% capacity and outdoor events with a maximum of 300 spectators will be
allowed at that point. More than 1 million people have had the virus in Romania
since the first case was reported on 26th February last year and
more than 28,000 have died.

Press freedom.
On World Press Freedom Day on 3rd May, prime minister Florin Cîţu urged
journalists to continue to work with the authorities in efforts to provide
accurate information and raise awareness about vaccination. He thanked
journalists for their work during the pandemic, work he described as vital in
combating misinformation about the virus and vaccination. I wish you to remain
free and independent, on the side of truth and public good and to provide
accurate information to the public, the prime minister posted on his Facebook
page. 3rd May was declared World Press Freedom Day on 23rd
December 1993 by the UN General Assembly. Commemorating it highlights the need and importance of respecting
freedom of expression, which is a fundamental human right. EU officials said
the freedom of the press is under threat both in the developed countries and in
conflict areas According to the UNESCO Observer, 76 journalists were killed
since 2020, and many more were arrested, harassed or threatened worldwide, with
gender-based violence facing women journalists being of particular concern.

EU-Russia. The EU summoned Russian ambassador on
Monday to convey its firm condemnation and objection to Moscow’s banning eight
EU officials, including the president of the European Parliament David Sassoli
and the European Commission vice-president and European commissioner for values
and transparency Vera Jourova. Russia last Friday banned the eight officials
from entering Russia after the European Parliament adopted a resolution
denouncing Russia’s actions and calling for economic and political sanctions. The
European Union reserves the right to take appropriate measures in response to
the Russian authorities’ decision, said a joint statement of the presidents of
the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council.

Easter. Orthodox and Greek Catholic Christians
in majority-Orthodox Romania and around the world celebrate Easter, which lasts
three days. On the second day of Easter, on Monday, churches held the same
service as on Saturday night. In Romania, the faithful were allowed to attend
the Easter service not only outdoors, but also inside, as the authorities made
an exception from ongoing restrictions. Also, the night-time curfew was lifted
on Saturday night, with movement being allowed all night long.

Online shopping. The coronavirus pandemic led to
a 36% rise in the amount of online shopping carried out in Romania, the biggest
increase across the European Union. Experts say the sector hit 7 billion euros
in 2020 for the first time in its history. Pharmacies saw a spectacular rise as
they began to sell their products online. Online shopping is expected to rise
by a further 15% this year to pass 8 billion euros.

Tennis. World no. 3 of Romania Simona Halep will
be playing Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Tuesday in the
third round of the Madrid WTA tennis tournament. On Sunday in the second round,
Mertens defeated Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, while Halep defeated Saisai
Zheng of China. (CM)