COVID restrictions eased off in Romania
As of 1 July, some coronavirus containment measures are being lifted in Romania
Corina Cristea, 25.06.2021, 13:50
With the coronavirus epidemic in Romania apparently coming under control, some of the containment measures in place so far will be lifted. National authorities have announced that as of 1 July, more people will be allowed to take part in private events, performances and festivals. The restrictions concerning the number of tourists accommodated in seaside hotels will also be scrapped. The new measures were announced by the head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat:
Raed Arafat: “A higher number of people will be allowed to take part in private events—weddings, for example—up to a maximum of 150 people in outdoor locations and 100 people indoors, and up to 300 people, if they have been tested, have received the vaccine or have recovered from the disease. Groups of more than 10 pedestrians are also allowed. Indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars will be working up to the maximum capacity of each facility and working hours are extended from 5am to 2am instead of midnight. Ceilings on the accommodation of tourists in seaside hotels will also be eliminated. However, face covering is still compulsory in public indoor areas, such as elevators, hallways, etc.
Figures are quite encouraging, but it is up to us to keep this positive trend, the head of the vaccination programme, dr. Valeriu Gheorghiță, said in his turn. He presented a report of the first 6 months of the vaccine rollout in Romania. In the forthcoming period, what we need is epidemiological stability, which can only be achieved through vaccination, Valeriu Gheorghiță added.
He also mentioned that so far over 4.6 million people have received the vaccine, and 4.4 million of them have completed the schedule. This means a vaccine coverage of around 25% of the eligible population, adding to which is the immunity gained as a result of recovering from the disease.
The highest vaccination rate, 36.5%, is reported among the 60-69 age bracket. In the 12 – 15 group, some 16,200 people have received at least one dose, accounting for 1.9% of this age bracket. Bucharest, with over 45%, and another 7 counties have a vaccination rate of over 30% of the eligible residents.
Valeriu Gheorghiţă said a rise in the number of cases is expected in the autumn, but he emphasised that a steep surge can be avoided if more people get the vaccine in the next 2 months. (tr. A.M. Popescu)
