Radio România Internațional

Tag: recommendations

  • 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)

  • Criticism and recommendations for Romania

    Criticism and recommendations for Romania

    In January 2017, 10 years since Romania’s EU accession, the European Commission presented a set of 12 recommendations for Romania in its annual evaluation report under the Cooperation Verification Mechanism which, once implemented, would have eventually led to lifting the mechanism in 2019. At the time, a new ruling coalition, made up of the Social-Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, took office in Romania.



    “It is regrettable that Romania not only broke the course of reforms, but also regained some aspects that were considered closed or invoked in relation to the achievements of the last 10 years”, European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans said on Tuesday shortly after the Commission’s report was made public. “It is essential that Romania register progress in the fight as soon as possible against corruption and guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary”, the EU official went on to say. “It is the only way for Romania to return to the path that will lead to the conclusion of the MCV process, which is of interest to both the citizens and the country and the EU in general”, Frans Timmermans added. For that to happen, the Commission has issued an additional 8 recommendations for Romania.



    The Commission wants the ruling coalition to call off the implementation of the justice laws and the subsequent emergency ordinances and revise them in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). The Commission wants to call off the implementation of amendments to be brought to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure and to relaunch the process of revising the codes while taking into account the need to ensure their compliance with European legislation and international anti-corruption standards.



    The Commission also wants the Romanian Government to immediately suspend all procedures for appointing and dismissing prosecutors in key positions. The Commission wants the Government to restart the process of appointing a Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate, who should have proven experience in the prosecution of corruption crimes and a clear mandate for the DNA to continue to conduct professional, independent and non-partisan investigations of corruption.



    Furthermore, the Commission wants the Government to respect negative opinions from the Superior Council of Magistracy on appointments or dismissals of prosecutors at managerial posts. Drawing on Tuesday’s report, the European Parliament also on Tuesday passed a resolution expressing its deep concern with the judicial and criminal reforms in Romania, arguing that these structurally undermine the independence of the country’s judiciary, its capacity to efficiently fight corruption and would weaken the rule of law.



    The European Parliament also condemns the disproportionate and unwarranted use of violence by security forces during the August 10 protest in Bucharest. At the time Romanians both at home and abroad voiced their disgruntlement with what they consider a systematic effort from the left-wing power to subordinate the justice system and neutralize the state’s instruments to fight corruption.