Gov't to lift COVID-19 restrictions from August 1, leave many in place

The Romanian government has approved lifting from August 1 some COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Prime Minister Florin Citu announced on Wednesday. "We have approved lifting restrictions from August 1. Relaxation is a strong word today, because these measures are not much ease, as many of them are kept in place. I would mention the outdoors cultural, artistic and entertainment events with at most 75,000 people in attendance in areas where 14-day cumulative rate is less than or equal to 2 cases per 1,000 population. Very important condition - the participants must be vaccinated, or recovered form the disease or tested," Citu said after a government meeting. He said that indoor and outdoor sports competitions will be allowed for spectators covering up to 75% of the maximum capacity of the space, keeping a minimum of one metre between people and the rate should be less than or equal to 2 cases per 1,000 population. "Activities in bars, clubs, discos and game rooms up to the maximum capacity of the space will be allowed between 05:00hrs and 02:00 hours if the rate is less than or equal to 2 per 1,000 population. The 02:00hrs has not changed if the rate is less than or equal to 2 cases per 1,000 population," the prime minister explained. AGERPRES (RO- author: Alina Novaceanu, editor: Claudia Stanescu; EN -author: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu, editor: Adina Panaitescu)