Slovenia: Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions from April 30 /update 7

Event

Slovenian authorities will begin partially easing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures from April 30, namely allowing citizens to travel outside their local community. Prime Minister Janez Jansa also announced on Wednesday, April 29, that authorities would remove other measures over the coming weeks, including the reopening of kindergartens and schools on Monday, May 18. Businesses such as hairdressers, outdoor bars and restaurants, and a number of shops, will be able to reopen from Monday, May 4. However, the prime minister also stated that large public events, including large sports gatherings, are likely only possible once a vaccination for COVID-19 has been discovered and widely distributed.

Slovenian authorities extended the ban on commercial flights from the EU until Tuesday, May 12. The government announced the extension on Thursday, April 23, and in line with the EU law, it will review the restrictions again in two weeks. Aircraft transporting cargo and mail, ferry flights, and foreign aircraft or helicopters on humanitarian health missions are exempt from the ban.

Other quarantine measures remain in place as of April 29. Slovenian citizens and foreign nationals entering the country are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine either at home or in designated hotels. The measure does not apply to individuals traveled for work, those involved in cargo traffic, or those who were transiting through Slovenia without staying overnight. Public transport, including air traffic, has been shut down, and health checks are being conducted on the borders with Italy and Austria.

To date, there are 1418 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 89 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over 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 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 by 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.