Romania further tightens COVID-19 restrictions

Economic and political life, however, must continue, according to Romanian President Klaus Iohannis

The overwhelming numbers of new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Romania have prompted authorities to further tighten restrictions in the country meant to stop and slow down the spread of the disease. After more than 10,000 new cases were confirmed on Thursday, 5 November, the Romanian government, the National Committee for Emergency Situations and the country’s president Klaus Iohannis acted in unison in announcing the new measures that will be in force for the next month.

Protecting lives while keeping the economy open

The new measures that will be in force for the next 30 days, until 6 December must not impede the economic and political life of the country, according to officials. Yet they must be as tight as possible in order to prevent the overloading of the Romanian healthcare system and to save as many lives as possible.

Mounting on top of previously adopted restrictions, President Iohannis announced several new rules, including:

• The shutting down of schools, kindergartens and nurseries
• The transition to distance learning in all educational institutions
• The mandatory wearing of masks at all times
• The restriction of movement between 11 PM and 5 AM
• The closing of stores at no later than 9 PM
• An appeal to all workers, both public and private, to work from home if they are able to do so
• An appeal to companies to phase their working hours so as to prevent overcrowding in public transport during peak times of day

Despite all these measures, however, Iohannis further pointed out that no pandemic can put a stop to democracy and the December general elections will take place as previously scheduled. The new restrictions will most likely be adopted officially by the government and their enforcement will commence at the start of next week.