Romania’s National Emergency Committee adopted new restrictive measures today in an attempt to contain the approaching fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the new measures, only surgical masks or FFP2 masks will be permitted in all open and closed public areas, and textile masks will not be permitted.
Exceptions to the requirement are children under 5 years old, people who work alone in the office, TV presenters and their guests, representatives of religions during worship, people who are engaged in intense physical activity, and others.
There are also new restrictions on the activities of restaurants, performances and sports events, depending on the incidence of illness in the relevant locality. Shops and restaurants will be open until 22:00.
With an incidence of less than 1 person in 1000, most activities will be allowed when up to 50 percent of the capacity is full for vaccinated people, those who get sick, or those who test negative. With an incidence of more than 3 per 1,000 inhabitants, the throughput will be reduced to 30 percent.
Open-air concerts and festivals can be held for up to 500 spectators, and meetings can be attended by up to 100 people.
The pandemic alert has been extended for another 30 days, according to the Ziare website.
Romania has confirmed 4,893 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, up from 3,900 yesterday. Over the past day, 30 deaths have been registered.