Romania: Authorities announce 30-day state of alert from May 15 /update 8

Event

Romanian authorities announced on Friday, May 15, the ending of the current state of emergency and the beginning of a 30-day state of alert amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The state of alert represents the gradual lifting of previous COVID-19 restrictions, however, limitations on public gatherings and movement remain in place. Under the state of alert, individuals will be permitted to move around their respective localities of residence freely and without a declaration form, however, gatherings of more than three people remain banned. Individuals are only permitted to travel outside of their locality of residence using a new declaration form and for certain purposes including farming, professional reasons, medical treatment, family death, or caring for family or an elderly person. The wearing of face masks, covering the nose and mouth, on public transport, stores, and public closed spaces remains mandatory.

The suspension of flights to and from Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, the US, Turkey, and Iran remains in place, as well as the suspension of ground transportation to and from many of these countries until Monday, June 1. All travelers arriving in Romania are required to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine.

As of May 15, health authorities have confirmed 16,437 COVID-19 cases and 1070 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is 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 COVID-19 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.