Serbian Ambassador to Romania tells Telegraf about curfew for unvaccinated people and new measures

Romania has been facing an increase in the number of Covid cases and deaths for days, which is why new epidemiological measures have been in force since Monday, October 25. What life in Romania will look like in the next 30 days and what the help sent by Serbia means to them, is revealed for Telegraf.rs by Serbian Ambassador in Bucharest Stefan Tomasevic.

"As of October 25, 2021, new epidemiological measures have been in force in Romania that will last 30 days, which give absolute priority to perform almost all activities and access to closed spaces to vaccinated citizens and those who have recovered from Covid-19. The Romanian government hopes that the new measures will encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated, bearing in mind that the percentage of fully vaccinated population in Romania is just over 30 percent," Ambassador Tomasevic said at the beginning of his conversation with Telegraf.rs.

He explained that starting yesterday, it is mandatory to wear masks in closed and open public spaces, except for children under 5. Also, a ban on movement from 10 pm to 5 am has been ordered for unvaccinated persons sand persons who have not had Covid, with certain exceptions such as needing to get to work, with confirmation by the employer or official identification, for emergency medical care with a pre-prepared statement containing the reason for movement, buying medication, transit and other justified situations.

"Vaccinated persons who are out during curfew must have proof of vaccination. A digital green certificate is necessary for EU citizens, while a document about vaccination in English or Romanian is necessary for foreigners," our interlocutor stressed.

According to Tomasevic, the new measures say that stores, cafes, restaurants, libraries, bookstores, cinemas, gyms, indoor swimming pools, playrooms, fairs, flea markets, children's playgrounds will be closed from 9 pm until 5 am, while night clubs will be shut down.

"Stores, cafes and restaurants will be able to receive guests up to a maximum 50 percent capacity, and other categories up to 30 percent. The exceptions are pharmacies, gas stations, home delivery, organized transport of persons and transport of goods," the ambassador pointed out.

Romania has also banned private celebrations, concerts, workshops, performances, while sport competitions can be held without the presence of spectators. Performing religious rites is allowed while adhering to prescribed epidemiological measures such as mask wearing and distancing.

"The vaccinated, those who recovered from Covid, 15 to 180 days since the infection and children under 12 can gather and protest in groups of up to 100 people, for recreational and sports activities up to 10 people, they have access to shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes," added Tomasevic.

Our ambassador explains that entry of citizens into state facilities and utilities companies is allowed only to vaccinated persons, those who had the disease or who have a negative PCR test. In emergencies, exceptions will be allowed depending on a specific case.

"A two-week break is being introduced in public schools, while private schools can still hold classes with physical attendance, which is currently the subject of discussion," he added.

Finally, Ambassador Tomasevic also touched on the help that Serbia sent to Romania in these difficult moments.

"A message of support to Romania and the friendly Romanian people is a gesture made on the initiative of the president of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, to send a shipment of medical aid, which was sent by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia. As Minister Selakovic said, 'Serbia stands with brotherly Romania even in the most difficult moments'," concluded Ambassador of Serbia in Bucharest Stefan Tomasevic.

(Telegraf.rs)