State of emergency in Romania
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis has declared the country's state of emergency.
Roxana Vasile, 17.03.2020, 14:20
For the first time in the past 20 years, Romania declared a state of emergency on Monday, over the coronavirus pandemic. According to President Klaus Iohannis, who made the announcement, the spread of the infection with COVID-19 can be prevented only by taking exceptional measures that have proven effective in the countries most affected by the virus. In the next 30 days such exceptional measures will also be taken in Romania. Schools and universities will stay closed, borders might also be closed and road, rail and air traffic might be suspended in certain areas if the situation gets worse. If there is the case, restaurants, hotels and other public facilities will be temporarily shut. Stocks of protection equipment, disinfectants and medicines used in treating the novel coronavirus may be requisitioned.
President Klaus Iohannis explained: ”Depending on the evolution of the situation, the price of medicines, medical devices, basic food stuffs, public utility services such as electricity, natural gas, water supply, sanitation and fuels might be capped at their average price of the last three months before the state of emergency was declared. Medical services for the patients suffering from infection with coronavirus and its complications are provided to all people on Romanias territory and the costs are covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. People isolated at home, as measure to prevent the spread of the virus, will benefit support measures, implemented by local public administration authorities. The employers and employees impacted by the effects of the coronavirus crisis will be supported through derogations from the legal provisions in force. Employers in the economic sectors, whose activity is affected or suspended partially or totally during the state of emergency, following decisions of the public authorities, will be granted special protection”.
The state of emergency also affects the Justice system, President Iohannis has warned, saying that Courts and Tribunals will only work on the urgent cases. The head of state has urged people once more to respect the rules set by the authorities.
Klaus Iohannis: ”Dear Romanians, listen to the officials messages, observe the rules strictly, wash hands, avoid crowds and all unnecessary travel. Take care of the close ones more thane ever, especially of the elderly and the vulnerable. No matter how hard it seems, keep the social distance”.
The state of emergency decree, signed by President Iohannis, was published in the Official Journal. Parliament will convene in plenary sitting on Thursday afternoon to pass it. Given the emergency situation that we are faced with, debates will be held through video-conference, with only the two Parliament speakers being present in the Parliament hall. MPs will cast their vote by means of a secured app. The meeting will be broadcast on the Chamber of Deputies internet page. (Translated by Elena Enache)
