Less restrictions during Easter holidays
This year, Romanian celebrated Easter against the background of milder anti-pandemic restrictions
Leyla Cheamil, 04.05.2021, 14:00
Last year, Romanians celebrated Easter in very strict conditions due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, travel restrictions were lifted on the Resurrection night, for people to be able to go to church. In fact, Romania has begun to slightly relax thanks to a declining incidence of COVID-19 cases around the Easter holidays. Bucharest, where most cases of infection were registered lately, came out of the red scenario, as a result of a decrease in the incidence rate below 3 per one thousand. That allowed authorities to slightly relax measures, as of Monday. The new decisions mainly target restaurants and entertainment facilities.
Here is the Prefect of Bucharest, Alin Stoica, with more:
Entertainment facilities and restaurants can work at 30% capacity. All companies, including the mentioned facilities are allowed to stay open until 9 p.m. The night curfew though remains in place, from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. The next threshold set by epidemiologists is 1.5 per thousand inhabitants, and therefore other measures are to be implemented when that threshold is reached. For instance, the capacity of entertainment facilities and restaurants will be increased to 50% and open-air events, such as concerts, will be allowed, at a capacity of 300 participants.
For the mini-holiday of May 1st and Easter most Romanians chose to stay in the country, mainly because of the travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data provided by tourist operators, 300,000 bookings at hotels and guest houses were reported for that period. Some 35,000 tourists went to the Black Sea, and many others celebrated Easter at the guest houses that are now open in the Danube Delta.
Some 10,000 Romanians spent their mini-holiday in the resort of Vama Veche, on the Black Sea Coast, which is traditionally the main fun hub at the start of the season. Restaurant gardens were allowed to stay open until 10 p.m., an opportunity that tourists made most of, also helped by the nice weather this past weekend.
Other people chose the mountain resorts, particularly on Prahova Valley, Poiana Brasov or Paltinis. Rural tourism has also been a favourite among tourists, thanks to the conditions provided, away from crowds and in the middle of beautiful scenery. (MI)
