Slovenia: Authorities to relax COVID-19 restrictions on construction workers from March 15 /update 29

Slovenia to ease COVID-19 restrictions on construction industry from March 15; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Officials will slightly relax domestic COVID-19 restrictions from March 15 to permit the construction industry to resume full services without the need for workers to undergo testing. All other domestic measures remain in place.

A nightly 2100-0600 curfew is in effect until further notice; during curfew hours, residents may only leave their homes to perform essential tasks. At all times, gatherings of more than 10 people from different households are prohibited. Facemasks are mandatory in all nonrural public spaces. Most nonessential businesses and facilities are permitted to operate provided they implement strict hygiene and social distancing requirements, as well as mandatory staff testing. Restaurants, cafes, and bars may only offer carryout services.

Nonessential travel from non-EU/Schengen Area countries remains prohibited. People arriving from countries on the "Red List" of high-risk countries, must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the previous 48 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within the previous 24 hours; alternatively, they can self-isolate for 10 days. For a full list of countries on the Red List, click here.

Cross-border commuters are not required to self-isolate, though they must be in possession of a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test result taken within the previous seven days if arriving from locations with higher COVID-19 case rates than Slovenia; this currently includes the Czech Republic and Estonia. International arrivals who can provide evidence that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have previously recovered from the virus are permitted to enter without self-isolation or testing. Individuals arriving from countries not on the Red List may enter without restriction.

Authorities are conducting checks at certain road border crossings to ensure entry requirements are being met, possibly resulting in border crossing delays.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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.