Slovenia reintroduces masks at public cultural events

After 22 August, transit travellers will no longer enjoy PCT and quarantine exemption

The use of protective masks at public cultural events in the Republic of Slovenia (except for performers) is again required from 16 August. A new government decree maintains the current restrictions in the provision of cultural services and reintroduces the face mask-mandate.

The decree will be valid until 22 August inclusive, according to a government statement. It is to be understood that any extension of the measures will be regulated by a subsequent ordinance.

The new decree also stipulates that public cultural events may be held only if the performers and staff members who are in direct contact with the audience meet the PCT condition (vaccinated, recovered, tested). 

PCT requirement for spiritual education providers

At the same session on 14 August, the Slovenian government adopted another decree which also came into force yesterday. It maintains the current restrictions on the collective exercise of religious freedoms and sets a new condition for providers of religious or spiritual education and training. Now, these services can only take place if the person performing them meets the PCT condition.

Quarantine and PCT exemption for transit travellers expires on 22 August

A third government decree, effective from 16 until 22 August, amends the rules for entering the country, current rotating president of the Council of the European Union. Now, a person who fulfils the PCT condition may enter Slovenia without being sent to a 10-day home quarantine. 

Five exemptions are provided for entry without self-isolation and PCT evidence:

1. An employee of an international transport company, upon presentation of relevant documents. In this case, the driver must leave the Republic of Slovenia within 12 hours of crossing the border. 
2. A child who is under the age of 15 and crosses the border together with a family member or in an organized group led by a teacher or guardian. All accompanying persons must not be quarantined at home or denied entry to the Republic of Slovenia.
3. An owner or tenant of land who performs agricultural or forestry works across the border and returns in 10 hours time. The exception also applies to immediate family members and other persons registered at the same address with the individual.
4. A cross-border labour migrant employed in another EU Member State or Schengen country who resides within 10 km from the common border. This person must return within five days of crossing the border.
5. A person other than a permanent resident of the Republic of Slovenia who travels in transit through the country and leaves it no later than 12 hours after entry. From 23 August, however, transit will no longer be possible without proof of compliance with the PCT condition.

Covid infection creeping up

On Monday, 318 new Covid cases were confirmed in Slovenia, the largest daily number since 1 June. According to NIJZ data, quoted by RTV Slovenia, there are currently 2,314 active infections in the country.

The seven-day average of confirmed cases is 198, and the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population is 107, which marks a 13- and 7-fold increase in the respective categories.

956,845 people in Slovenia have been given at least one dose of the vaccine, and 853,889 are fully covered. According to the NIJZ, 40.5 percent of the population is vaccinated.