Slovenia: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions from November 12 /update 16

Event

Slovenian authorities announced on Thursday, November 12, that several coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related restrictions have been tightened due to a rise in the number of cases in the country. The tightened restrictions will be in effect for at least two weeks, until November 26. Under the new restrictions, public transportation services are suspended and all nonessential shops have been ordered to close. All gatherings are banned with an exception for those in the same household.

Face masks must be worn in all public spaces unless exercising alone. Restaurants and bars must close, with only takeaway services permitted. There is also a ban on all events, rallies, weddings, and religious ceremonies, and gyms and sports facilities for recreational sports have also closed. 

A 30-day nationwide state of emergency was enacted on October 19, due to a rapid rise of COVID-19 cases. On October 20, a nightly curfew was placed in effect from 21:00 to 06:00 (local time) nationwide. All movement outside of residences during the curfew hours are restricted for reasons of work, emergencies, and urgent family assistance. A ban on travel between regions remains, excluding for work, healthcare, and emergency situations. 

As of Friday, November 13, there have been 52,385 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 724 associated fatalities in Slovenia. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.