Janez Poklukar

Ljubljana – As the advisory task force for Covid-19 will again discuss on Monday mandatory wearing of protective masks in enclosed spaces, Health Minister Janez Poklukar announced the possibility of the mandate being lifted this week, with the exception of healthcare institutions and care homes.

Ljubljana – Due to growing needs for space and a rise in cancer cases in Slovenia, the Oncology Institute in Ljubljana plans to expand its buildings with the support of the Health Ministry. The value of two expansion projects has been estimated at EUR 13-19 million.

Ljubljana – Covid pass will no longer be required in Slovenia as of Monday, except in healthcare and social care institutions, and in prisons, Health Minister Janez Poklukar told the press after today’s correspondence session of the government. Students at schools will no longer need to self test either.

Ljubljana – Health experts outlined a gradual easing of measures against the Covid-19 epidemic at a consultation with the government on Tuesday, proposing the abolition of the Covid pass for shops, banks, post offices and administrative units, and the abolition of quarantines in case of high-risk contacts.

Postojna/Cerknica – The government will consult with health experts on Tuesday on when and how to adjust coronavirus restrictions now that the Omicron-driven wave has peaked and the epidemiological curve is rapidly declining.

Ljubljana – The number of new coronavirus cases was still up in weekly comparison on Sunday, as 8,575 new infections were detected, which compares to almost 8,400 a week ago. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now almost 172,400 active cases in the country. Currently, 172,380 cases are considered active, which is 3,640 more than the day before.

Ljubljana – Slovenia is further restricting the use of PCR tests as of Tuesday with a new testing protocol under which rapid antigen tests will be enough to confirm a coronavirus infection. The certificate of recovery obtained in this way will only be valid in Slovenia for now, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said, indicating changes in this area as well.

Brussels – EU health ministers, meeting in Brussels on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Slovenia’s Janez Poklukar, called for fast and coordinated action to tackle the surge in infections and the spread of the Omicron variant, supporting the general applicability of the EU digital Covid certificate and emphasizing the importance of booster jabs.

Kranj – Six Italian military doctors and nurses arrived in Slovenia on Sunday to help the medical teams of the Slovenian Armed Force helping at Covid-19 hospitals. Another nine could not arrive due to the bad weather but will join them on Monday.

Ljubljana – Fifteen Italian military health professionals will come to Slovenia on Sunday to join the medical teams of the Slovenian Armed Forces helping in Covid-19 hospitals. The Italian team will be greeted by Defence Minister Matej Tonin and Health Minister Janez Poklukar in Kranj, the Defence Ministry said in a press release.