Romania restricts people’s movement over coronavirus pandemic
A new military order restricts people's movement on Romania's territory.
Roxana Vasile, 23.03.2020, 14:24
Against the background of a surge in coronavirus infections, Romania takes additional measures to restrict social contact and the movement of people. These measures are stipulated in the second military order adopted since the countrys state of emergency was declared last week, and are temporary. These are restrictions which drastically change peoples way of life but which, according to experts, have proven highly effective in the fight against the novel coronavirus. The movement of persons outside the home is carried out only in compliance with the general measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoiding the formation of any group of persons larger than three people who do not live together. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. it is recommended that the movement of persons outside their home should be carried out only for several reasons.
Interior Minister, Marcea Vela, explains: ”We recommend people to only leave their home for professional reasons, for getting the goods that cover the basic needs of the persons and their pets and for their professional activity, for healthcare reasons that cannot be postponed or performed remotely, for justified reasons, such as caring or accompanying the child, for the assistance of elderly, sick or disabled persons, the death of a family member and for short trips, near the home, related to the individual physical activity of the people and the needs of their pets.”
During the night, the movement of persons outside the home is allowed only for the mentioned reasons, with people having the additional obligation to carry upon them their ID card, staff ID card and a clean bill from the employers or an affidavit.
Authorities say the recommendations included in the military order should also be treated as obligations. New measures have also been enforced as regards people under self-isolation or quarantine. Thus, people under self-isolation at home who leave their home without the approval of the authorities are placed under quarantine. Moreover, those who leave the quarantine facilities without authorization will have their quarantine extended by another 14 days.
The activity of dental offices has been temporarily suspended, except for emergency interventions. Retail activities in commercial centers, except for the sale of food, veterinary or pharmaceutical products and cleaning services, have also been suspended. The ordinance also restricts religious services, which can instead be broadcast via television or the internet. Private events at church, such as baptisms, marriages and funerals are only allowed with maximum 8 people attending. The access to Romania is forbidden to foreigners and stateless persons, with several exceptions. Local administration authorities will have to identify and assist the elderly aged over 65 with no support, to reduce their movement outside their homes. Also, the number of institutions that have the authority to give fines, has been increased. (Translated by Elena Enache)
