Romania: Authorities announce closure of restaurants and bars in Bucharest as of October 7 /update 15

Event

Bucharest's Municipal Committee for Emergency Situations announced that as of Wednesday, October 7, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theaters, bars, discos, and casinos will be closed in Bucharest due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The rate of infection reportedly rose to 2.1 per 1000 inhabitants, from a previous rate of 1.5. This is almost double the country average of 1.1. Lasi in eastern Romania also closed restaurants due to an increase in cases. The measures will be lifted once authorities are satisfied that the COVID-19 infection rate is low enough. Indoor restaurants and cinemas in Romania reopened at the start of September, having been closed since March. 

The Romanian government extended the state of alert until at least October 15. Originally due to expire on September 15, the measure was extended due to a rise in cases. The extension comes despite the reopening of schools on Tuesday under strict health guidelines. State of alert legislation rules that the wearing of face masks is mandatory on public transport and in public closed spaces, such as stores. Public gatherings are also restricted, although certain cultural and sporting events are permitted with appropriate social distancing measures in place.

As of Sunday, October 11, health authorities have confirmed 155,283 COVID-19 cases and 5411 associated deaths in Romania. 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.