Romania extends state of alert as coronavirus continues march

The Romanian government announced on Monday the extension of the state of alert by another 30 days starting Tuesday, as the COVID-19 situation remains severe.

This is the fourth extension of the state of alert, which was first announced in mid-May following a two-month higher-level state of emergency.

The government has also decided to implement several measures in connection with the local elections scheduled for Sept. 27.

Election rallies and demonstrations can take place with a maximum 100 people and in full compliance with hygiene rules. Voters will be obliged to disinfect their hands before entering and leaving the polling stations.

Raed Arafat, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior, said that while some of the restrictive measures have remained unchanged, mentioning, however, that “contact sports have been removed from sports that are limited.” He also said that seminars or workshops could be organized under the same conditions as theaters and shows.