November 8, 2021
A roundup of domestic and International news.
Newsroom, 08.11.2021, 13:55
CORONAVIRUS — More than 4,200 new Covid-19 infections and 241 related casualties have been reported in Romania in the last 24 hours, according to partial results made public today by the authorities. The situation in hospitals does not show signs of improvement, while the interest in vaccination is starting to decrease again. Less than 25,000 people have been immunized in the last 24 hours, the lowest level in the past three weeks. More than one million Romanians got the booster shot.
GREEN CERTIFICATE — Romanian MPs are today starting debates on the draft law that makes the Covid green certificate compulsory at the workplace. The document will be first analyzed by the expert committees and then voted on in the Chamber of Deputies. The law was previously rejected in the Senate, by two votes. The law stipulates that employees who refuse to present the Covid green certificate at the workplace can have their labour contract suspended for up to 30 days, without pay. If they fail to present the certificate after this period, they can be fired if they work in the public system and they can be either fired or have their suspension period extended if they work in the private system. People who do not want to get vaccinated, will have to get tested regularly and pay the tests themselves.
CELEBRATION – Orthodox and Greek Catholic believers in Romania celebrate today the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. In keeping with the Christian faith, Archangel Michael led the Jewish people to the promised land while Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus Christ and of St. John the Baptist. The two archangels are believed to be guiding human souls to Heaven. Around 1.5 million Romanians celebrate their name day today.
DIPLOMACY — Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu is today meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington as part of a two-day visit marking the opening of the 7th meeting of the Romania-United States Strategic Dialogue. According to a press release, Bogdan Aurescu will reiterate Romania’s interest in joining the Visa Waiver program as a key objective for Romanians. Talks will also focus on the latest security developments, with an emphasis on the Black Sea region and NATO’s eastern flank. (EE)
