Romania: Government announce additional COVID-19 restrictions July 29 /update 11

Event

The Romanian government has reportedly approved a decree which will allow local authorities in the country to impose additional restrictions in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Reports indicate that local authorities will be able to enforce the wearing of face masks in certain outdoor spaces from Wednesday, July 29. Authorities will also be able to reduce activity for bars and restaurants by restricting opening hours. The decisions come after more than 1000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country in the past week. Media sources suggest that as of Thursday, July 30, only Arges and Dambovita counties have announced these additional restrictions.

The county's state of alert was extended a further 30 days on July 17. Under this, the wearing of face masks remains mandatory on public transport and in public closed spaces, such as shops. Businesses, shopping centers, beaches, gyms, outdoor pools, and some specific treatment centers have reopened, though social distancing measures must be continuously observed. Restaurants, cafes, and outdoor seating areas have reopened with limitations on capacity. Restrictions on public gatherings and travel also remain in place, and it is forbidden to organize and hold rallies, demonstrations, and other types of large gatherings in open spaces.

As of Thursday, July 30, health authorities have confirmed 48,235 COVID-19 cases and 2269 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). 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, diarrhoea, 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.