A new record level of the number of COVID-19 cases in a single day in Romania
Romanian authorities announced on Wednesday a new record level of the number of daily cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, but also the most deaths. Authorities confirmed 2,958 new infections, out of almost 28,000 tests performed, the total number of infections exceeding 142,000. Most new cases were registered in Bucharest in the last 24 hours, 514, followed by the counties of Iași, 157, and Alba, 117. With 82 new deaths associated with the new coronavirus reported on Wednesday, the total number reached 5,203. There are currently 612 patients in the Intensive Care Units.
New restrictions came into force in Bucharest due to the epidemic
In many localities in Romania, as well as in the capital Bucharest new restrictions have come into force in Wednesday to limit the spread of coronavirus, amid the large number of cases registered in recent times. These rules include the obligation to wear mask in open public spaces, restrict the activity of restaurants and terraces indoors, and switch schools to online education. In Bucharest, all restaurants, cafes and bars inside have closed again, except for those in hotels and boarding houses, which remain open only for their own customers. This measure also applies to cinemas, but also to theaters and other events. Also, wearing protective masks has become mandatory around schools within 100 m radius.
Romania imposes a 14-day quarantine on people coming from countries with a high epidemiological risk
The decision on the 14-day quarantine for people coming to Romania from countries with a high epidemiological risk entered into force on Wednesday. The list updated by the National Council for Emergency Situations contains 49 states, including Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary and the Republic of Moldova. However, the authorities also established exceptions. Thus, people who intend to spend less than three days in Romania, should not be quarantined if they present a negative covid test performed 48 hours before. According to the new rules, one can get out of quarantine even after the tenth day if a test is done on the 8th day and the result is negative.
The World Bank forecasts a 5.7% decline in the Romanian economy in 2020
The World Bank forecasts a 5.7% decline in the Romanian economy in 2020, according to the latest economic forecast update for Europe and Central Asia. WB also anticipates a recovery of the Romanian economy of 4.9 percent in 2021. The severity of the recession and the magnitude of the recovery in 2021 will depend on the evolution of the health crisis and the response of the authorities, the impact of economic incentives and the consequences of measures taken in the European Union, underlines World Bank. Globally, the institution believes that emerging economies in Europe and Central Asia will experience the worst recession since the 2008 crisis. These areas could face an economic decline of up to 4.4% by the end of this year./mbaciu
