Bucharest eases Covid restrictions
Following drop in infection rate, authorities lift some restrictions in Bucharest.
Corina Cristea, 25.01.2021, 14:00
With the infection
rate now below 3 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, Bucharest is no longer in the high-risk
red zone, so a number of restrictions were lifted beginning on Monday. Indoor
venues like bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and gambling venues are now
allowed to reopen at 30% capacity, but still have to close by 9 pm. Wedding and
baptism receptions are still banned and restaurants and cafes inside hotels, guesthouses
and other accommodation venues have to close by 11 pm.
Almost three quarters
of Romania’s counties are in the green zone, with an infection rate of less
than 1.5 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, while the others are in the amber zone
with the exception of Timiș and Cluj counties, in the west, which still have more
than 3 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. In fact, according to the latest figures
published by the Group for Strategic Communication, Romania has seen an overall
slight decrease in the number of new daily cases and the daily death toll
compared with a few weeks ago.
This is why schools
may reopen on 8th February for in-person learning. Education minister
Sorin Cîmpeanu told a televised interview that health authorities are keeping a
close eye on the situation:
Reopening schools is
still a main priority. The situation is being constantly monitored, and a
decision will be announced on 2nd February. The competent healthcare
bodies are keeping a close eye on the latest developments.
Healthcare minister
Vlad Voiculescu has called, however, for caution, saying the number of cases is
growing in many countries in Europe and Romania is also at risk of a new wave of
the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the
vaccination campaign has been gathering speed, with some half a million people
having received the vaccine, some just the first, others already the second
dose. The number of appointments is also rising. Phase two of the vaccination campaign
is under way targeting people over the age of 65, chronic patients and key
workers. Pfizer announced a return to the initial schedule of vaccine deliveries
to the European Union, which includes Romania, beginning on 25th January,
saying it will provide an increase in the number of doses around mid-February. (CM)
