March 26, 2020 UPDATE

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Newsroom, 26.03.2020, 20:15

EQUIPMENT Romania has been given the greenlight from the European Union to buy medical equipment such as masks, hazmat suits for doctors and ventilators worth 10 million euros, the countrys president Klaus Iohannis on Thursday said. Iohannis added that Romania is the first EU member who got the European Commissions approval to start purchase procedures for these materials in order to build national reserves. Iohannis also announced on Thursday that he signed a decree for the appointment of Nelu Tataru for the position of Health Ministry instead of outgoing Victor Costache who stepped down after over 100 doctors and nurses had been contaminated with the new coronavirus. 1029 cases of infected persons have so far confirmed in Romania, where 94 people have cured and left hospitals. 22 people have been killed by the new virus in Romania, while 8 died in Italy, 2 in France and one in Britain.

SESSION The European Parliament on Thursday endorsed the need for strong European solidarity in order to support the citizens against the pandemic ahead of a crucial vote over the first measure package proposed by the European Commission to help the member countries fight the pandemic in an effective and coordinated manner. The MEPs have called on the EU members to keep the interior borders open in order to be able to receive medical equipment and materials. President David Sassoli has reiterated that the European Parliament will continue its works in spite of the pandemic. G20 leaders have also pledged to unite against the pandemic, which they described as their absolute priority in order to minimize its impact over health, society and economy. During a video-conference, the worlds leaders have pledged to reestablish trust, financial stability and spur development. They have called on finance ministers and central bank governors to coordinate with international organizations to develop and action plan in response to the pandemic.

STATISTICS 6 out of 10 Romanians who have currently a job believe that the global situation generated by the coronavirus epidemic might affect their job – shows a survey made by the Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategy – IRES. Over 3 quarters of the participants in the survey say that they are entirely observing the recommendations of the government and of the National Emergency Committee. The recommendation to stay at home these days was observed by almost 6 out of 10 people. Buying needed stuff is the most popular reason why Romanians went out. At the same time, half of the respondents believe that the other people are not observing the authorities recommendations. Also more than half of the respondents say that the news on the coronavirus epidemic makes them fearful.

(translated by bill)