Cluj-Napoca heads towards lockdown

Romania’s second-largest city has entered the “red scenario” in terms of coronavirus infections

With COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country, several Romanian cities are already heading into partial or full lockdowns. Yesterday, authorities in the capital of Bucharest announced a severe tightening of restrictions and as of today, the country’s 2^nd largest city – Cluj-Napoca is also heading in the same direction.

Heading into crisis-management mode

The announcement of new restrictions in Cluj-Napoca came after the revelation of data that the infection threshold has been surpassed with over 2.5 cases per 1000 inhabitants over the course of 14 days. In response, the local government of the city declared that they have entered the “red scenario” and that new rules will come into effect starting 22 October.

The changes will follow the pattern that was already established in Bucharest – shutting down public spaces and closing down schools in order to prevent a further rise in infections. More specifically the new measures that will come into effect tomorrow in Cluj-Napoca include:

• Mandatory wearing of masks in all public spaces for those aged 5 and above
• Cinemas, theatres and other similar cultural venues and related activities are suspended
• The suspension of services of all catering establishments such as restaurants and cafes operating in closed spaces
• The closure of bars, clubs, discos and other similar nightlife venues, as well as gambling venues
• The introduction of other and additional health protection measures in places of worship in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at those locations
• The suspension of all in-person classes and a transition to mandatory distance learning for students

The spread of the disease in Romania shows no signs of abating, thus it is not out of the question for similar measures to continue to be introduced around the country in the coming days.