Romanian authorities call for responsibility
The Romanian authorities take measures to contain the coronavirus disease in the country
Eugen Coroianu, 12.03.2020, 14:00
Given the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Romania, the authorities have taken a number of additional special measures, targeting both the people who enter Romanian territory from abroad, and the general public.
First of all, all citizens, Romanians or foreigners, who come from the so-called “red zones (the entire Italy, Hubei region in China, including the city of Wuhan, and the Cheongdo county and Daegu city in South Korea) will be quarantined for 14 days in special facilities. Those who come from the “yellow zones (continental China, the entire Iran, other counties and localities in South Korea, as well as Heisnberg district in North-Rhine Westphalia in Germany) will be asked to self isolate.
The relevant bodies will ensure compliance with these measures, and failure to comply will lead to fines of up to 4,000 euros. The fine will be applied on each occasion in case of repeat violations. The head of the Department for Emergencies, Raed Arafat, warned that several such punishments have already been put into practice. He also announced that indoor cultural, scientific, artistic, religious, sports and entertainment activities involving more than 100 people have been restricted until March 31st, and the period may be extended.
University courses have also been suspended until the end of March, and alternatives such as online programmes have been suggested. Public institutions will have to reorganize working hours, so that employees may come to work at 3 different times during the day, to avoid crowding in public transportation and reduce the risk of infection. As Raed Arafat also said, “we voted to recommend private entities, including business operators with more than 99 employees, to rethink working hours for the staff who use public transportation. This recommendation takes effect in Bucharest and county capitals between March 12th and 31st, and the period may be extended. Raed Arafat also explained that under this guideline, companies will have employees coming to work in 3 separate shifts.
Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment used in treating the coronavirus disease have also been suspended for 6 months. The products barred from exports include antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, fever reducers, antifungal drugs, anesthetics, sedatives, and medical materials such as gloves, syringes, goggles, protective coveralls, disinfectants and so on.
Authorities also urged people to comply with the recommendations and to get information from official sources exclusively. Romania is now in scenario number 2, with 26-100 infected patients, and prevention is still the main concern, before major changes in hospitals. If quarantine facilities prove to be insufficient, strictly monitored home quarantine may be introduced.
(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)
