Foreigners no longer allowed to enter Romania, with few exceptions, as tougher coronavirus measures are announced

Foreigners willing to travel to Romania will no longer be able to do so, with few exceptions, according to new, tougher measures announced by authorities in Bucharest to prevent the expansion of the coronavirus epidemic. Malls are also to be closed and movement is restricted during night time, according to the new rules.

• Interior minister Marcel Vela, who holds special authority after Romania introduced the state of emergency earlier this week, presented a military decision in this regard at the end of a day when 59 new coronavirus cases were announced in the country – the biggest jump in infection cases so far, bringing the total to 367. Also today, after weeks when new cases could be traced to infection sources, a Health Ministry official told a TV channel that coronavirus transmission within the community was becoming a real thing. Two employees of the Romanian Embassy to Spain were also confirmed Covid-19 positive and embassy activities were suspended.

The ordinance presents a set on measures aimed at limiting travel and movement, certain commercial and medical activities, religious activities along other provisions.

Starting March 22, foreigners will no longer be allowed to travel to Romania, unless in transition to other countries, through corridors agreed with neighboring countries. There are exceptions, though: the rule will not apply to family members of Romanian citizens, family members of Europeans who reside in Romania, are visa-based professional visitors, have long-stay visas or equivalent documents, need international protection or travel for humanitarian reasons, are in transit, are diplomatic, military or international organisation personnel, or are people who travel for urgent (family, medical) reasons.

Among other measures announced today:

• Commercial activities in areas with multiple shops and stores, such as malls, are suspended. Exception: stores that sell food, vet, pharma and cleaning products.
• Movement of groups of more than 3 people (who do not belong to the same family) out of homes is not allowed.
• Recommendations are strengthened on more limited movement out of home during daytime – between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. While strong worded, these are still recommendations, including going out only in the proximity of homes, moving to work, to procure goods, to get medical assistance, to assist people in need.
• Going out during night time (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.) is banned with the exceptions for which limited movement is recommended during the day.
• People who leave home despite being isolated there for prevention purposes would be considered high contagion risk people and will be move to quarantine under guard.
• Local authorities have to keep evidence of elderly people who lack support and provide them the support needed so they do not expose themselves by going out.
• Religious service is organised by priests in churches, but without public access – the service can be broadcast through the media or online.
• Private religious activities such as a baptism or a funeral may have an attendance of up to 8 people.