Romania: Government to extend COVID-19 state of emergency by 30 days from week of April 13 /update 5

Event

On Monday, April 6, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced that the government will extend the existing state of emergency in the country for another 30 days from the week of April 13 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the country's borders. Iohannis claimed that "this period is absolutely necessary…to keep the evolution of the epidemic under control."

Interior Minister Marcel Vela issued an ordinance on Monday, March 30, stating that Suceava municipality and eight surrounding villages would be placed under quarantine. The measure came after 25 percent of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases at the time were recorded around Suceava. The affected villages are Adâncata, Bosanci, Salcea, Ipotești, Moara, Șcheia, Pătrăuţi, and Mitocu Dragomirnei. Under the government ordinance, individuals are prohibited from entering and exiting the affected areas; the transportation of freight, medical assistance, and individuals who carry out essential economic activities are exempt from the measures. The quarantine is expected to last until at least mid-April.

The government has implemented a nationwide lockdown until further notice, banning individuals from leaving their homes for nonessential reasons and closing all businesses except for those selling food or pharmaceutical products and those providing veterinary services.

On Wednesday, March 25, Romanian authorities announced a series of new quarantine measures: individuals arriving in Romania from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Iran are to be placed under mandatory 14-day quarantine in a state facility. All other individuals arriving from abroad are to be placed in home isolation for 14 days. These measures apply to all individuals regardless of nationality.

On Saturday, March 21, Romania closed its borders to foreigners; only foreigners who have family in Romania, those who maintain residency or long-term visas, and those who are traveling for business are allowed to enter the country.

As of April 6, over 4000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 160 associated deaths have been confirmed in Romania. Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over 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 trouble 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.

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.