Romania: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related state of alert and restrictive measures as of until Jan. 13 /update 12

Romania extends COVID-19-related state of alert and all restrictions until Jan. 13; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Romania will extend the nation's state of alert and all restrictions until at least Jan. 13. No new restrictions will come into effect. A 2300-0500 curfew remains in effect; travel during the curfew will only be permitted to seek emergency medical attention, care for dependents, or travel for essential work. All retail stores, except pharmacies, must close to walk-in traffic at 2100; pharmacies and some other stores are permitted to remain open for deliveries only. Protective face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces. Festive and cultural gatherings are banned. Outdoor and enclosed markets may not operate; shopping malls may operate with reduced hours. Restaurants and cafes may operate at 50-percent capacity. All schools will be closed, and authorities strongly advise employers to implement work from home or staggered shift policies.

Authorities regularly update the country's international travel restrictions. Travelers from several countries are required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, including Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US.

Travelers arriving from other European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay may enter without restriction. Most arrivals from other destinations remain prohibited from entry with some exceptions, such as Romanian citizens or residents and their immediate families, individuals traveling for essential work or study, individuals in transit, and individuals traveling for urgent reasons. All permitted individuals arriving from nonexempted countries are required to undergo 14 days of self-isolation. Travelers may end the self-isolation period after the 10th day if they test negative on a COVID-19 test taken on the 8th day of quarantine. Persons planning on staying less than three days in Romania will not be required to self-isolate if, upon entry, they can provide proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.