Romania in the Green Zone

Against the latest downward trend of the infection rate with the novel coronavirus, new relaxation measures have come into effect in this country as of May 15th. Outdoor mask mandates have been lifted though they remain in place when it comes to crowded places like public transportation facilities, supermarkets, meetings, concerts and other types of gathering.

The night curfew has also been lifted and restaurants, bars and beer gardens can now stay opened between 5 and 24 hours. Outdoor sporting facilities are allowed to stage competitions with an attendance of 25% of their capacity. But these events can be attended only by people who got their vaccine at least 10 days before the event, by people who can produce a negative PCR test taken in the past 72 hours or a rapid antigen test not older than 24 hours.

Cultural events can be attended by a maximum of 500 people who must observe certain rules. "We together had a difficult year. We were all wearing masks and had to keep the social distancing. We together got vaccinated and I would like to thank the Romanians for their understanding. We have a vaccine rollout in full swing and an all-time high of 120 thousand people vaccinated. A rollout that continues as the Romanians have understood that the only way out of this pandemic is vaccination," Romania's Prime Minister Florin Citu said on Saturday night while attending the pilot-show at the National Theatre in Bucharest. According to Citu, new relaxation measures are to be applied as of June 1st, provided this downward trend continues.

On the very first day of this much-desired relaxation, the Romanians left in large numbers for seaside and mountain resorts, which resulted in a series of traffic jams on the country's main motorways. 

Those who decided to stay at home went to barbeques with friends or went for a stroll in parks, which during the weekends turned into overcrowded places.

Authorities in Romania have planned another three relaxation stages on June 1st, July 1st and August 1st. Restrictions will be gradually lifted but they are conditioned by the number of vaccinated people and the infection rate. The vaccination targets have been announced by president Iohannis, 5 million by June 1st, 6 million a month later and 7 million by August 1st.

Under these conditions, next month will be seeing outdoor events with up to 1,000 participants, whereas outdoor weddings and other religious services can be attended by 70 people. Indoor festivities are limited to 50 people. The number of participants in suchlike events is expected to rise gradually starting July and August 1st.

(bill)