Slovenia: Authorities announce reopening of border to citizens of 14 states June 8 /update 10

Event

On Monday, June 8, Slovenian authorities announced that the country's borders are open to citizens of 14 states who can travel to and from Slovenia without any coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The countries included are as follows: Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Slovakia, and Liechtenstein. The government also introduced an obligatory 14-day quarantine for everyone coming into the country from North Macedonia, excluding diplomats, transport workers, and those passing through without an overnight stay.

Most services (including retail services) are permitted to reopen, provided that health and safety guidelines can be implemented. However, there are some exceptions, including nightclubs. Gatherings of up to 200 people are permitted, where health and safety guidelines can be implemented.

On Thursday, May 28, Slovenian authorities announced the reopening of the border with Hungary, Croatia, and Austria for all purposes, without limitations or the need for a period of quarantine. Authorities stated that restrictions at the border crossings with Italy will remain in place.

As of June 8, there have been 1485 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Slovenia and 109 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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 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.