Bucharest gives up the colour codes for COVID-19 infection risks
European countries are beginning to lift the tight rules that have governed the fight against the pandemic. Denmark becomes the first European country to eliminate all domestic restrictions as of Tuesday, after putting a lockdown in place in December to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. Danish authorities cancelled the remaining restrictions, after reaching the conclusion that the disease caused by the coronavirus is no longer a critical threat.
For the time being, Bucharest remains prudent and keeps restrictions in place, as record numbers of infections are still expected. Some changes have been operated nonetheless, with respect to the quarantine terms for SARS-CoV-2 patients.
The head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat, announced that national authorities gave up the colour codes for countries depending on infection risks. A new, single rule for entering Romanian territory has been introduced instead, with a 5-day quarantine required for travellers without a European digital certificate or other corresponding documents. State secretary Raed Arafat:
"This is the new rule. Travellers are either vaccinated, recovered from the disease or with a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours before entering the country or before take-off, for those traveling by plane. The quarantine rules after direct contact also change, with people who had the disease in the last 90 days no longer required to isolate after direct contact with an infected patient. All other people having had direct contact with a COVID patient will isolate for 5 days, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not."
Mr. Arafat also said Romania will also introduce the European rule applicable as of February 1 concerning the vaccination certificate. Specifically, certificates will be valid for 9 months for the fully vaccinated, with a booster dose required after this period if the certificate is to remain valid.
The measure is compulsory for all EU member countries, but it only concerns travel across the Union. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended the administration of a booster dose 6 months after the completion of the first vaccination cycle.
For the time being, in Romania the digital certificate is accepted upon entering the country and for access in shops, restaurants and performance venues, including for people without the booster dose. (A.M.P.)
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