Radio România Internațional

Tag: epidemiological alert

  • February 1, 2025 UPDATE 1

    February 1, 2025 UPDATE 1

    2025 BUDGET – The Government has passed Romania’s draft budget for 2025 without modifying any taxes. According to Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the budget focuses on development with 30 billion EUR allotted to investments, an increase of about 6 billion EUR compared to the previous year. At the same time, operating costs will be reduced by 0.5%, and personnel and goods and services costs will be adjusted. The budget was built on economic growth of 2.5%, a budget deficit of 7.04% of GDP, and an average annual inflation rate of 4.4%. Investments and protecting citizens’ purchasing power are the main priorities of the state budget, authorities say. The ministries that will benefit from a budget increase are the ministries of Investment, Transport, Education and the Labor Ministry, while the ministries of Culture, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, the two chambers of Parliament and the Presidential Administration will see their budgets slashed. The budget and social security bills have been expedited to Parliament for debate and approval.

     

    FINANCIAL RATING – International rating agencies will not downgrade Romania’s rating this year to the category of country not recommended to investors, Finance Minister Tánczos Barna has argued. The Romanian official strongly ruled out such a scenario, invoking current economic indicators, the robustness of Romanian economy, the budget deficit of 7% of GDP and the government’s commitment in the field. Minister Barna said he has received negative signals from rating agencies, which in the last two months have lowered Romania’s credit outlook, from stable to “negative”. For this reason, the government has pledged to keep the deficit in check and lower it over the coming years, the Finance Minister added, arguing that the IMF’s visit next week is merely meant to conduct an analysis of the latest evolution.

     

    FLU – A state of epidemiological alert has been declared in Romania due to the large number of respiratory infections. In the last three weeks, cases of influenza, viral infections and pneumonia have exceeded the average of previous cold seasons. Last week, authorities reported nearly 134,000 respiratory infections, of which 11,000 were influenza. Most patients were registered in the capital Bucharest and in the counties of Cluj (northwest), Braşov (center), Prahova (south), Constanţa (southeast), Iaşi (northeast) and Sibiu (center). Health authorities also announced eight new influenza-related fatalities, one of them in a child under 4 years old. The number of people who have died from the flu virus this season has reached 22. Hospitals have imposed visitation restrictions, and doctors recommend the observance of hygiene rules, avoiding crowded places or communities of people showing flu symptoms. The Ministry also recommends daily triage in educational institutions and home isolation of children who show symptoms. (VP)

  • Epidemiological alert in Romania

    Epidemiological alert in Romania

    Whether we’re talking about flu, pneumonia or other viruses, the number of respiratory infections has been increasing in the last several weeks, prompting health authorities to declare a state of epidemiological alert in Romania on Thursday. The decision was designed to limit the spread of infections and factors in the data of the last week, when nearly 134,000 patients were diagnosed with respiratory symptoms. Of these, 11,000 had the flu, compared to 7,000 in the previous period. Increasing from one week to the next, the number has exceeded the average of recent flu seasons, according to health authorities, who also announced eight related fatalities last week. Thus, in the current cold season, the total number of confirmed deaths from the influenza virus has reached 22. Hospitals across the country have already taken measures adapted to the epidemiological situation, limiting visits.

     

    The Health Ministry recommends the population observe general measures to prevent illness and the spread of viruses, from regular hand washing, covering the nose and mouth with tissues when coughing and sneezing and disposing of them properly, or using the crook of the arm or the inner elbow when coughing. At the same time, it is necessary to ventilate the rooms daily and avoid crowded places. When symptoms of a cold or flu become manifest, people are urged to contact their family physicians to establish the proper treatment. It is also advisable to avoid entering the community of people who have signs and symptoms associated with the flu (fever, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, muscle pain) until they disappear, healthcare professionals say.

     

    In the case of nursery and regular schools, the Ministry advises daily observational triage, recommending regular updates to parents concerning signs and symptoms of respiratory diseases, keeping children reporting symptoms at home, providing the necessary materials to sanitize hands and surfaces periodically. Representatives of the Health Ministry also draw attention to the fact that the safest and most effective method of preventing the flu and its severe forms is vaccination. This is particularly recommended to people suffering from chronic medical conditions, children, pregnant women, medical and auxiliary personnel in hospitals and outpatient units, as well as to people over 65 years of age. (VP)

  • February 2, 2024 UPDATE

    February 2, 2024 UPDATE

    ALERT – Romanian health
    authorities have declared a state of epidemiological alert as the incidence of
    respiratory infections passed the average level for the last three seasons for
    the third week in a row. Health minister Alexandru Rafila expects the number of
    cases to go back to normal at the end of the month, saying it won’t be
    necessary to declare an epidemic. He explained that the state of
    epidemiological alert allows the healthcare system to prepare for a possible
    increase in the number of cases.




    DEBATE – The president of
    Romania, Klaus Iohannis, will be addressing a plenary sitting of the European
    Parliament on February 7 in Strasbourg on the sidelines of the debate titled
    This is Europe, the Presidency reports. President Iohannis will present his
    vision on the main challenges facing the EU, with a focus on joint action with
    a view to defending and promoting European citizens’ rights, welfare and
    security. In this context, Klaus Iohannis will also have consultations with the
    European Parliament president Roberta Metsola. The agenda for talks will
    address hot topics on the EU agenda and the priorities for 2024.




    CITIZENSHIP – A draft law
    providing for the elimination of risks with respect to the illegal obtaining of
    the Romanian citizenship has been submitted for public debate by the Justice
    Ministry. According to a press release, revising the Citizenship Law is a
    necessary prerequisite to Romania joining the Visa Waiver program. The new bill
    is expected to tighten the criteria and procedures for obtaining or regaining
    the Romanian citizenship. Romania needs a straightforward, predictable and
    stable framework in the field of citizenship, the Justice Ministry pointed out.




    FARMERS – Romanian farmers
    and transporters announced they have reached an agreement with PM Marcel
    Ciolacu, which is expected to put an end to protests that have spanned several
    days. Under the said agreement the Government will set up an inter-ministry
    committee, including representatives of employers’ associations, as well as
    unaffiliated farmers and transporters, expected to start its activity next
    week. We want to cooperate with state institutions, as originally stated. We
    will go back to our homes and farms, as we have a lot of work to do, one of
    the protesters said.




    AQUATICS – Eight Romanian
    athletes, five swimmers and three divers, are taking part in the World Aquatics
    Championships in Doha, under way until the 18th of February. David Popovici, the European champion in the
    100 and 200 m freestyle race, is not taking part. The leaders of the Romanian
    delegation are Constantin Popovici, the defending high diving world champion,
    and Cătălin Preda, the world vice-champion. (CM & VP)

  • Epidemiological alert in Romania

    Epidemiological alert in Romania

    For the third consecutive week, the incidence of respiratory infections reported in Romania exceeded the average level calculated for the last seasons, and the authorities decided to release an epidemiological alert. The National Public Health Institute reported over 130 thousand cases of respiratory infections, in just one week, and more than 9 thousand cases of clinical flu. The number of diagnosed respiratory infection cases refers to the week of January 22 – 28, and the finding is that, compared to the same period of last winter, the number of patients is 35 percent higher. The increase compared to the previous week is 8 percent. As for the flu cases, the number of patients increased, weekly, by almost 2 thousand and is much higher compared to the same period of last year.



    However, the situation is better in terms of severe acute respiratory infections, which are now fewer as compared to the previous week and also as compared to last year. The number of deaths caused by the influenza virus has reached 50, the Public Health Institute informed. The health minister, Alexandru Rafila, does not rule out a scenario according to which the cases of illness might reach the maximum level recorded last year. He said that Romania would not face an epidemic because, as their observations show, the maintenance of this upward trend is limited and until the end of February the number of cases ​​will probably be lower, said the health minister. He pointed out that the epidemiological alerts do not imply restrictions, but only prepare the medical system for a worse situation.



    Alexandru Rafila: This is the third consecutive week of growth above the average level recorded in the last 5 years. It is called epidemic week. Weve had two such weeks so far. This is the third one. There is absolutely nothing different from last year’s situation, no restrictions are being imposed; it is related to preparing the health system for a greater number of respiratory infections so that we can provide all the necessary resources to the health units.



    Apart from the measures recommended in medical units, there are recommendations for schools. Those in charge of educational institutions must provide the necessary sanitary materials and inform parents about the symptoms and the importance of keeping children at home if they have signs of respiratory infections. For the population, in general, the already known recommendations remain valid: avoiding crowds, observing hygiene rules, isolation at home in case of illness, use of protective masks, if necessary, and, last but not least, flu vaccination especially in the case of vulnerable categories. (LS)

  • January 6, 2023

    January 6, 2023

    Alert. Today, the Romanian Ministry of Health is having talks with the most important manufacturers and distributors of medicines in Romania to find a solution to the lack of some treatments on the market, against the background of the significant increase in demand recently. Consumption estimates for this year were far exceeded in the context of the wave of viral infections lately, Minister Alexandru Rafila said, and currently an opinion is expected from the European Commission regarding the proposal to suspend the export of some medicines. Because of the accelerated increase, for three weeks in a row, in the number of respiratory infections, the authorities in Bucharest have decided to declare a state of epidemiological alert.



    Magistracy. The new president of the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM) in Romania, judge Daniel Grădinaru, said that he wants unity within this body and a loyal cooperation with the other state institutions. The new vice-president, prosecutor Daniel Horodniceanu, former head of DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) has also pleaded for unity in the new Council, an institution that manages the careers of magistrates and which, in recent years, has been divided in terms of statements and points of view regarding important justice-related issues. The new management of SCM was unanimously voted for, and the mandate of the two heads last one year, with no possibility of extension. The SCM is made up of nine judges and five prosecutors elected by magistrates in the general assemblies of the courts and prosecutors offices, two representatives of civil society elected by the Senate and three legal members – the Minister of Justice, the President of the High Court of Cassation and Justice and the Prosecutor General of Romania. All members have a six-yea term, which cannot be renewed.



    Ukraine. The Kremlin has announced that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has ordered his forces to observe a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, on the occasion of the Old Rite Orthodox Christmas, following a call to this effect by the Patriarch of Moscow, Kirill. Putin invited the Ukrainian forces to respect this truce, to enable the Orthodox, the majority denomination in both countries, to attend the Christmas services. Patriarch Kirills call had been rejected by the advisor to the Ukrainian Presidency, Mihailo Podoliak, who denounced, on Twitter, right before Putins announcement, what he called a cynical trap. Podoliak accused Putin of not having the slightest desire to end the war and of trying to convince the Europeans to put pressure on Kyiv for peace negotiations, an option that Ukraine has systematically refused. For his part, the American president, Joe Biden, appreciated that Putin wants “a breath of air”, by launching the truce in Ukraine, given that, on December 25 and the New Year, he was prepared to bomb hospitals, nurseries and churches.



    Epiphany. Christians in Romania celebrate, today, the Baptism of the Lord, known as the Epiphany. The priests officiate in front of the churches the service of the Consecration of the water, in memory of the Baptism received by Jesus Christ in the waters of the River Jordan. According to theologians, after 30 years of life in anonymity, Jesus Christ, the Son of God incarnate, began his mission on the banks of the River Jordan, where the Prophet John baptized those who repented of their sins. The faithful who go to church today will receive “agheasma”, holy water, during a special service held after the liturgy, in front of the churches or on the river banks.



    Tennis. Romanian tennis player Irina Begu qualified, on Friday, for the semi-finals of the Adelaide International 1 (WTA 500) tournament in Australia, with more than 800 thousand dollars in prize money, after defeating the Russian Veronika Kudermetova 7-5, 6-4. Begu (32 years, 34 WTA) won the match after more than two hours (2 h 09 min). The Romanian will play in the semifinals with the Belarusian Arina Sabalenka, who defeated the Czech Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 7-5. The only direct match between Begu and Sabalenka ended with the Romanians victory, 6-4, 6-4, last year, in the second round in Miami.



    Handball. The Romanian mens national handball team was defeated by the Spanish team 42-29, on Thursday evening, in Benidorm, in a training tournament. In the other match on Thursday, Argentina beat Bahrain 31-27. The matches Romania – Argentina and Spain – Bahrain will be played on Friday, and the matches Romania – Bahrain and Spain – Argentina are scheduled for Saturday. Outside of Romania, the other teams participating in the tournament are qualified for the World Championship hosted by Poland and Sweden, between January 11-29. (MI)