Government adopts plan to gradually ease the lockdown measures introduced due to the coronavirus epidemic

At today’s session, the Government adopted a plan for the reestablishment of free movement and the resumption of numerous activities over the coming days, weeks and months based on the proposals of experts from the Ministry of Health.

As of tomorrow, i.e. 30 April 2020, the general prohibition of movement outside the municipality of residence will be lifted, while on Monday several activities will be gradually restarted, provided that the instructions of the medical profession are respected.

Government lifts the prohibition of movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence

The Government issued the new Ordinance on the temporary general prohibition of movement and public gathering in public places and areas in the Republic of Slovenia. The ordinance shall enter into force on 30 April 2020.

The ordinance therefore lifts the prohibition of movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence for services and goods that are allowed under the existing ordinance and/or those to which further easing measures will apply.

To contain and manage the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic, the ordinance maintains the temporary prohibition of movement and gathering of people in public places and areas in the Republic of Slovenia and access to public places and areas the Republic of Slovenia, unless provided otherwise by this or other ordinances adopted by the Government. The ordinance namely provides the easing of restrictions on movement or access to other services in Slovenia insofar as the Government adopts or abolishes the temporary prohibition of supply and sale of goods and services directly to consumers.

Movement, access to and staying in a public place will, within the framework of the exceptions referred to in the ordinance, be allowed for:

• groups of persons who are close family members or members of the same household, provided it is possible to ensure a safe distance from the movement of other similar groups or individuals,
• groups of up to five co-workers who share the same personal vehicle to get to or from work or who have been called up to perform tasks within the Civil Protection Service.

When moving or staying in a closed public space where services allowed by the ordinance are provided, it is mandatory to maintain a safe distance from others, use protective masks or other means of protecting the mouth and nose area (a scarf or other similar protection that covers the nose and mouth), as well as disinfect one’s hands. Disinfectants must be provided by service providers.

Report of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the state and supply of protective equipment

At today’s session, the Government commenced the discussion on the Report of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia on the state and supply of protective equipment, which will be concluded at tomorrow’s session.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Republic of Slovenia encountered a lack of protective equipment, which made it necessary to make emergency purchases of protective equipment in order to save lives. The Government has managed to provide a sufficient amount of protective equipment despite the fact that the situation in the global market of this equipment was extraordinary.