Relaxation measures in Romania

Some of the restrictions imposed against the background of the pandemic are to be lifted on Saturday

Ştefan Stoica, 14.05.2021, 14:00

On May 15th last year, Romania went out of the state of emergency declared for two months because of the new coronavirus. Several pandemic waves followed, and last autumn the threshold of 10 thousand cases of infection per day was exceeded. The health-care system was under severe pressure, additional beds were needed in ICUs and non-Covid hospitals were turned into units capable of treating Covid-19 patients.

Today, a year on, things are better and some of the most restrictive measures imposed then are to be lifted. This is possible as all areas have been declared green, with an incidence rate below 1.5 per one thousand inhabitants, an infection rate below 5% and a good vaccination pace, with some 100,000 people getting the jab per day. Protective masks will no longer be mandatory outside, with the exception of crowded places, and this is just one of the measures Romanian authorities announced on Thursday.

Here is President Klaus Iohannis with more:

As of May 15th, wearing a mask outdoors is no longer mandatory, with a few exceptions, such as in markets, fairs or public transport stops. The second measure to come into force immediately is the elimination of circulation restrictions at night. Also, shops will resume their normal opening hours. Also as of this weekend, open-air sports events are allowed at 25% seating capacity.

The post-pandemic relaxation will be done gradually, and the next stage is due to start on June 1st, the head of state said. As of then, weddings and other festive events will be allowed outdoors with a maximum of 70 people, and indoors the limit will be 50 people. If, however, the organizer of the event can guarantee that all the participants are vaccinated, the restriction regarding the total number of participants allowed will be eliminated, just like in the case of gyms. The good news came together with a call for caution and for observing the restrictions that are still in place.

Prime Minister Florin Citu:

It is very important for all Romanians to understand that, although these relaxation measures are coming, the pandemic is still not over. Masks will have to be worn indoors and in bus stations, as well as in crowded places. We’ve taken a major step now, earlier than we had anticipated, but it’s not over yet. We must go on with the vaccination process, as we’ve been able to take these measures exactly because we have been vaccinated.

So far, 3.7 million people have been vaccinated in Romania, and two thirds of them have also got the second jab. (MI)