Slovenia: COVID-19-related domestic restrictions eased in nine regions from Jan. 23 /update 24

Slovenia eases COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Jan. 23; international entry restrictions in effect.

Event

Authorities in Slovenia will ease certain domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in nine out of 12 regions Jan. 23 due to improvements in the epidemiological situation in those areas. The regions impacted are Central Slovenia, Mura, Savinja, Drava, Upper Carniola, Coastal-Karst, Carinthia, Central Sava, and Littoral-Inner Carniola. In these areas kindergartens and the first three years of primary school are permitted to reopen, as are ski slopes, though all are subject to COVID-19 testing requirements. Additionally, limited nonessential businesses and services can reopen including markets, museums, libraries, hairdressers, and mechanics. These changes do not apply to the regions of Lower Sava, Southeast Slovenia, or Gorizia.

Additional domestic measures that remain in effect nationwide include:

Movement outside the home is restricted 2100-0600, except for work, urgent family reasons, and emergencies.
Movement between municipalities and regions is prohibited except for work, healthcare, and emergency situations.
Face masks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces, including public transport, and crowded open public spaces.
All gatherings are suspended, with the exception of those by immediate family or members of the same household.
All public events and religious ceremonies are banned.

International Entry Restrictions
Nonessential travel is prohibited from countries outside of the EU or Schengen Area, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Furthermore, Slovenian health officials maintain a list of "red" countries where the epidemiological situation is deemed to be unstable. All permitted individuals traveling from countries on the red list must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. The self-isolation requirement can be waived for travelers who, upon arrival, produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 48-hours or who can produce evidence of a negative rapid antigen test taken within the EU within the previous 24 hours. Exemptions to this requirement are in place for cross-border workers, transport workers, and individuals in transit.

As of Jan. 16 almost all countries are on the red list, with few exceptions including Greenland, Corsica in France, Greece (excluding the regions of Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and Western Macedonia), Norway (excluding the regions of Oslo, Rogaland, and Viken), Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

Any restrictions may be extended or amended with little-to-no advance 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.