Authorities renew their appeal to the population

The authorities have extended the state of alert and introduced new restrictions

Ştefan Stoica, 14.10.2020, 14:00

Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis held another press
conference this week, calling on the population to show prudence and
responsibility regarding the regulations aimed at preventing the coronavirus
from spreading. The president said the country is going through a difficult
time, generated by an accelerated rise in the number of infections and people
requiring intensive care, which is putting additional pressure on the health
system.

We are already in a difficult stage right now, the
so-called second wave of the pandemic, and it is imperative we overcome this
negative curve. That doesn’t mean we should panic, but we must be fully
transparent when communicating all the details so that even the most reluctant
among us should acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.

Declaring a state of emergency is not required right now,
the President added, warning, however, that it will be taken under advisement
when experts recommend it. For the time being, the state of alert has been
extended, and the experts the President mentioned believe further restrictions
are necessary. Therefore the wearing of face masks becomes mandatory in open
areas as well for those cities and regions where the rate of infection exceeds
3 per thousand inhabitants. All public events such as weddings, christening
parties, anniversaries and other festive events will be banned over the coming
period. Cinemas, theatres, restaurants and bars will function at 50% capacity
in those areas where the infection rate is lower or equal to 1.5 per thousand. If
the rate goes over 1.5 but lower than 3 per thousand, the said venues will
function at 30% capacity until 11 PM. If
the rate goes over 3 per thousand, they will be shut down. As regards the
upcoming election campaign, all public events will admit a maximum number of 20
participants inside and 50 outdoors. Health Minister Nelu Tătaru reminded
citizens to observe the basic rules that limit the risk of getting sick:
wearing masks, observing physical distancing and washing hands. We live an
active life and we want it to remain that way. The increase in the number of infections
also entails a rise in the infection rate reported in the last 14 days per
thousand inhabitants. In turn, this leads to new restrictions. It is therefore
up to each and every one of us to observe these precautionary regulations in
order to prevent the contagion from growing exponentially, Minister Nelu
Tătaru also pointed out.

(Translated by V. Palcu)