Preparations for the return to normalcy

Part of the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic might be lifted started mid-May

Corina Cristea, 23.04.2020, 14:00

Nearly
60 days since the first coronavirus infection was reported in Romania,
Bucharest authorities are discussing economic recovery plans and a possible
relaxation of restrictions under the state of emergency declared over a month
ago. May 16 is the date when things might return to the normal state of affairs
prior to the outbreak, according to the President, the Health Minister and all
experts involved in managing this difficult situation. The virus will not go
away and we need to find ways to cope with the new threat. Decision-makers are
meeting these days to discuss this scenario, and President Iohannis has already
announced that part of the measures will be enacted starting next month. Klaus
Iohannis:

After
May 15 everyone will be compelled to wear protection masks in enclosed public
spaces and when using public means of transportation. This measure has no time limitations
and might be extended to next year, when this pandemic will be in check and the
risk of infection will be low. Another measure we’ve decided upon will certainly
please many Romanians. Starting May 16 mobility restrictions will be lifted, so
people may be able to move around without signing a declaration in this
respect. I repeat, this measure addresses individuals.

President
Iohannis says the country will try to return to a new normalcy, although many
restrictions will be kept, to ensure the general protection of the population.

After
May 16 a number of restrictions will remain in place, namely those concerning
public gatherings of all sorts. Until May 15, the state of emergency deadline,
all restrictions are still in effect. Again, I advise everyone to stay at home
until May 15. After this date we will be able to move around with more freedom,
but unfortunately, life will not return to its normal state before the start of
the pandemic. We will have a plan to ease restrictions gradually, and we will
announce which types of activities will be allowed to resume.

With
the lifting of restrictions, each of us, especially at-risk categories, will have to be more responsible, the President also reminded.

(Translated
by V. Palcu)