State of alert government order comes into force

Government order imposing state of alert comes into force in Romania and is now making its way to Parliament.

Corina Cristea, 19.05.2020, 14:00

After being in a state of emergency for two months, during
which more than 17,000 coronavirus cases were reported, with over 1,000 deaths
and more than 10,000 recoveries, Romania is now under a state of alert. On
Monday, the government approved an order to instate this phase for thirty days,
and order which will next go to Parliament and be submitted to vote. The order may
be passed by Parliament in its current version or may be amended, but until then,
it is in force and legally binding.

The government now has the necessary legal
instruments, including the ability to levy fines, to enforce the measures and
rules meant to protect people’s lives and health, said prime minister Ludovic
Orban. Describing this period as one of maximum alert, he reminded his cabinet
that all state institutions must be mobilised to their full capacity to make
sure that the rules and measures laid down by the state of alert order are
fully respected.

During the state of alert, people have to wear face masks
in enclosed public spaces, in shops, at work and on public transport. Rallies,
demonstrations, processions and concerts are all banned. Fines are levied for violating
the rules, because the virus poses a major risk for the population, the prime
minister emphasised. Also, out-of-town travel is only allowed for specific
reasons and people must produce a written declaration stating the destination
and purpose of the trip, or a work ID or a letter from their employer if they
travel for work purposes.

New rules have also come into force in the healthcare
sector. For the duration of the state of alert, the health ministry will be
coordinating the activities to prevent and combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic
in public health facilities. Persons in leadership positions within the health
ministry and public health facilities subordinated to the ministry may be
sacked for failure to fulfil their duties that can endanger persons and thwart the
measures to prevent and combat the effects of the pandemic. Also, medical staff
can only be posted with their consent and the consent of their employers. As for
the coronavirus patients, they will continue to receive treatment at the
established hospitals. (CM)