European
countries are beginning to lift the tight rules that have governed the fight
against the pandemic. Denmark becomes the first European country to eliminate
all domestic restrictions as of Tuesday, after putting a lockdown in place in
December to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. Danish authorities
cancelled the remaining restrictions, after reaching the conclusion that the
disease caused by the coronavirus is no longer a critical threat.
For
the time being, Bucharest remains prudent and keeps restrictions in place, as
record numbers of infections are still expected. Some changes have been
operated nonetheless, with respect to the quarantine terms for SARS-CoV-2
patients.
The
head of the Department for Emergency Situations, Raed Arafat, announced that
national authorities gave up the colour codes for countries depending on
infection risks. A new, single rule for entering Romanian territory has been
introduced instead, with a 5-day quarantine required for travellers without a
European digital certificate or other corresponding documents. State secretary Raed
Arafat:
This is the new rule. Travellers are either vaccinated, recovered from
the disease or with a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours before entering
the country or before take-off, for those traveling by plane. The quarantine
rules after direct contact also change, with people who had the disease in the last 90 days no longer required to
isolate after direct contact with an infected patient. All other people having
had direct contact with a COVID patient will isolate for 5 days, regardless of
whether they are vaccinated or not.
Mr.
Arafat also said Romania will also introduce the European rule applicable as of
February 1 concerning the vaccination certificate. Specifically, certificates
will be valid for 9 months for the fully vaccinated, with a booster dose
required after this period if the certificate is to remain valid.
The
measure is compulsory for all EU member countries, but it only concerns travel
across the Union. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has
recommended the administration of a booster dose 6 months after the completion of the first
vaccination cycle.
For
the time being, in Romania the digital certificate is accepted upon entering
the country and for access in shops, restaurants and performance venues,
including for people without the booster dose. (A.M.P.)