Slovenia: Public transportation temporarily suspended March 16 /update 1

Event

As of Monday, March 16, the government closed all forms of public transportation until further notice to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Emergency services will be exempt from the restrictions, and taxi drivers will continue to be able to operate but must sanitize their vehicle after each drive. Schools, hotels, and, bars have also been closed while grocery stores, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, and post offices remain open.

On Wednesday, March 18, Interior Minister Ales Hojs announced a nationwide ban on socializing in public spaces effective on Friday, March 20. Violating the decree may be penalized by a fine up to EUR 400.

As of Thursday, March 19, some 286 COVID-19 have been recorded nationwide, including one fatality. Further spread of the virus is to be expected over the coming days and weeks.

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 labored 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. Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, individuals are advised to abide the following measures: 

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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 virus.