Romania goes into partial lockdown

Romania imposed partial lockdown after coronavirus infection rates reached alarming levels.

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Eugen Coroianu, 09.11.2020, 14:00

Fresh restrictions are taking effect in Romania, after more than 300,000 COVID-19 cases reported in the country since the start of the pandemic.

Face covering is now compulsory in all indoor and outdoor public areas, regardless of the infection rate in the region. All schools have switched to online classes exclusively, although afterschool centres and nurseries will stay open.

Public and private institutions will have to redesign their operations, so that all employees that can work from home to do so. Companies with more than 50 employees are also bound to rethink working schedules.

All shops must be closed by 9 PM, except for home delivery units, pharmacies, and petrol stations. A curfew is in place, and special documents are required for any night travel. The head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat, explained:

Raed Arafat: “A curfew is in place between 11 pm and 5 am, and all exceptions require special documents, either service cards or company permits, or sworn statements. Such exceptions include travel for professional purposes, for medical purposes, for medicine procurement, accompanying or providing care to children, elderly, ill or disabled people, or for funeral arrangements.

Raed Arafat also said the authorities expect the number of cases to grow, but that, if the new measures are implemented correctly, in 30 days there should be a decrease. Otherwise, further restrictions may be implemented.

A measure met with substantial discontent was the closing of indoor food markets and fairs. Scores of local producers and vendors protested in Brăila (south-east), forcing the mayor Marian Dragomir to find alternative solutions:

Marian Dragomir: “The City Hall will provide outdoor stalls free of charge, because this year we will no longer hold a Christmas fair. We will provide electricity connection and all retailers and display fridges will remain open outdoors. Access to the food market will be monitored and coordinated. This will help producers and traders.

Similar measures were announced by local authorities elsewhere in the country. Several hundreds of people gathered in front of the Government headquarters in Bucharest on Sunday night, to protest the new measures. Police issued fines and warnings on this occasion. (translated by: A.M. Popescu)