Major easing of restrictions announced for Monday
Ljubljana, 28 May - Major easing of restrictions has been announced for Monday as all tourism facilities will be allowed to reopen, and gatherings of up to 200 people will be allowed again. Gyms and spas will reopen as well, government spokesman Jelko Kacin told the press on Thursday.
Ljubljana
Government spokesman Jelko Kacin addresses the government's daily coronavirus briefing.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
Rijeka, Croatia
Gym.
Photo: Hina/STA
The changes to the government decree on the movement of people in public areas will enter into force on 1 June.
After reopening tourist accommodation with up to 30 rooms on 18 May, all hotels regardless of their size as well as spas, health centres, gyms and pools will be able to reopen next month.
Only night clubs and discotheques remain closed. Shops too will remain closed on Sundays and holidays, Kacin said.
The government said in a press release that the exceptions were filling stations and pharmacies, adding that the minimum working hours of food shops would remain.
The general restrictions for shops were lifted on 18 May. Bars and restaurants started serving patrons indoors again last week as well.
Employees are still advised to minimise contact with shoppers and patrons and it is the "responsibility of employers to provide employees with protective equipment and make sure guidelines are followed," the government added.
National Public Health Institute (NIJZ) director Milan Krek said that, as regards gatherings of up to 200 people, that this did not come without certain conditions, including the safety measures to prevent the spread of infection.
As the latest easing of restrictions concern tourism facilities, it has become pertinent how and when citizens will be able to make use of tourism vouchers which are part of the legislation currently discussed in parliament.
Kacin said that instructions for the use of vouchers were being prepared and that more about that would be presented by Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek on Friday.
Krek added that wearing of face masks was no longer obligatory, but a recommendation for protecting oneself from getting infected and preventing possible spreading of the infection.
"No one will run after you, no one will threaten you, or punish you. The virus will do this if you catch it," he said when answering a question about wearing of face masks in enclosed spaces.
Krek advised people to wear face masks in places where it is not possible to maintain social distancing, regardless of whether this is requested or not, be it in a shop, bus or an institution.
Face masks are mandatory for persons who are infected with coronavirus and those who take care of them, he added.