Slovenia extends and expands anti-pandemic measures

For another 2 weeks, starting today

On 12 November, the Government of Slovenia approved the extension of the anti-pandemic measures with 14 days and added new ones. This was announced yesterday at a press conference with the participation of Health minister Tomaž Gantar, government spokesman Jelko Kacin and Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs.

The authorities saw the positive effect of the existing limitations that have been in effect since 26 October which is why they find this extension as the key to keeping the spread of the disease within manageable limits and to maintaining a functioning health system.

Slovenia in lockdown for another two weeks

Practically speaking, with the new announcements the country returns to its lockdown state from spring when non-essential shopping was closed, and education was remote. In particular:

• in addition to events, gatherings, weddings and religious ceremonies, all kinds of celebrations will also be prohibited. This concerns even gatherings of fewer than 6 people (except for people from the same household);
• schools and kindergartens will be closed, and education will continue in a distance mode;
• there will be stricter rules on crossing state borders from Monday making weekend trips to neighbouring countries impossible;
• all non-essential shops and commercial centres will be closed from Monday. Only Food stores, pharmacies, banks and post offices will continue to operate;
• Public transport other than taxis will not operate as of Monday;
• Only professional athletes will be able to train indoors;
• Administrative units will perform only the most urgent tasks.

According to Gantar, the existing measures managed to reverse the exponential growth of the infections and bring it back to heel. This success, however, could be hampered, should the limitations be eased again and could have long-term consequences in terms of infected and sick people.

Hence, the extension of most of the measures aims primarily to limit personal contact and therefore – the risk of spreading the disease between people. This is expected to re-allow epidemiologists to contact trace, which is considered a key factor in managing the epidemic.

UPDATE 26.11.2020: the Government announced that the above measures will be extended by one week, with the exception of the ban on public transport operation and masks wearing which will be in place for another two weeks.