Stores and repair shops up to 400 m2 to reopen next week, providing staff get tested

The minister is pleased to see recent relaxations, including in schools. Precautionary measures are still crucial though, he warned.

The decision makers made the decision on further easing of restrictions in retail and services sector on Thursday evening after a meeting with business representatives.

Počivalšek said he would like to see a gradual return to normal to continue, however he warned that the situation could quickly turn for the worse if people were not responsible.

The cost of rapid tests that will be used in mass testing among staff will be covered by the state, he added.

Branko Meh, the head of Chamber of Trade Crafts and Small Business (OZS), told the STA on Thursday evening that most business activities would reopen next week under the condition that staff is tested for coronavirus at least once a week. He said that business representatives were pleased with the deal.

The relevant decree is expected to be published by the end of Friday and enter into force on Saturday, meaning that businesses which comply with new requirements would be allowed to open immediately.

Economy Ministry State Secretary Ajda Cuderman told the press Friday evening that some of the businesses which are currently open will henceforth have to test their employees on a weekly basis, including grocery shops, effective from 12 February.

For some types of businesses that will now be newly open, both providers and customers will have to be tested. Cuderman mentioned this requirement for establishments including tutoring, pet salons and real estate agencies.