Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 96
Ljubljana, 12 March - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Slovenia reached 96 by Thursday afternoon, almost double the number reported the day before, the National Institute of Public Health said. The government has already officially declared an epidemic to facilitate the relief effort.
Ljubljana
Number of coronavirus cases in Slovenia keeps increasing.
Photo: Sanja Gornjec/STA
With the epidemic officially declared starting at 6pm today, the government has decided to reform how suspected and confirmed cases are processed by the health system.
To help the health system cope with the influx of new cases, all but the most urgent procedures at all health institutions have been cancelled as of Monday, including all prevention, Health Minister Aleš Šabeder said.
The authorities have decided to start admitting patients to regional hospitals since major health centres are becoming overwhelmed.
The government has also adopted a special decree that in effect suspends most labour rights of health staff, who will not be allowed to go on strike, take annual leave or travel abroad.