Romania: Government announces lockdown measures on March 25 /update 2

Event

Romanian authorities announced on Wednesday, March 25, that lockdown measures will be enforced from 12:00 (local time) nationwide to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes to buy groceries, seek urgent medical attention, and for work, with a signed note from their employer. All shopping malls have been closed, except for businesses selling food, veterinary services, and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, elderly who are aged 65 and above will only be permitted to leave their homes between 11:00 to 13:00 (local time) for essential reasons, such as purchasing necessities. Authorities will place individuals who do not comply with the curfew in institutional quarantine facilities. To prevent further spread of the virus, all foreign nationals have also been banned from entering Romania. President Klaus Iohannis had previously declared a state of emergency in Romania on Monday, March 16. Meanwhile, a suspension on schools and public gatherings remain in place as of Monday, March 9.

As of March 25, the Ministry of Health has confirmed at least 906 cases of COVID-19 nationwide, including 13 fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.  
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.