The government spokesman Mr Jelko Kacin pointed out again that the regions in the eastern part of the country remain those with the highest 14-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants. Still, larger hotspots also occur in the Primorska region. The number of cases is still increasing in nursing homes, and the pressure on hospitals remains exceptionally high.

The following spokesperson, i.e., the representative of the Health Inspectorate, Ms Deana Potza, presented the joint weekly report of the joint inspection services. Two thousand two hundred fifty-four controls were carried out during that period. Thirty-five penalties for administrative offences totalling EUR 28,800 were imposed, in addition to 246 warnings and 77 administrative measures. Last week, the Health Inspectorate alone carried out 1,338 controls regarding COVID-19 control. Twenty-seven penalties for administrative offences under ZP-1 totalling EUR 14,800 were imposed, in addition to 170 warnings and three administrative measures. One hundred ninety-eight controls were carried out in the catering industry. Three penalties for offences totalling EUR 6,400 were imposed, and two decisions were issued banning activities. One hundred ninety-seven inspections were carried out in shops, and one fine of EUR 400 was imposed.

She stressed that inspectors reported cases of gathering parents and children from different families on playgrounds and open sports facilities. She noted that such gatherings were not permitted and called on the public to ensure recreation on green areas in such a way that only members of the same may be socialising.

In the end, the government spokesman once again called for full compliance with self-protection measures. He stressed that the Government would draw up a release plan. Still, the release could only take place if the epidemiological situation and in particular the situation in hospitals gradually improved.

Sladič: We impose repressive measures only when people ignore warnings of police officers

At the press conference, Senior Chief Inspector Mr Alojz Sladič pointed out that despite constant supervision and high fines, they still perceive several violations daily, not only by individuals but also by legal persons or self-employed persons. In November, police officers carried out on average more than 2,400 inspections of different places per day for implementing or complying with the provisions of government decrees. Citizens reported 852 violations to the police, and the police found 6,310 violations, almost two thousand occurred in the last week alone.

He continued that from 1 November the border guards issued 5,742 home quarantine orders, of which 860 to minors. He pointed out that people should travel (over the border) only when it comes to urgent and unavoidable journeys and that they should have proof that they comply with any of the exceptions of the decrees (or restrictions on movement or border crossings).

He also announced that this weekend the police would set up checkpoints on motorways and expressways throughout the country, where comprehensive road traffic controls will be carried out, including checks on the purpose of travel of road users or the observance of a movement ban between municipalities

If you detect domestic violence, report it

Finally, Mr Sladič urged the public to report any perceived domestic violence. The call was addressed to victims, as well as to all those who know about the violence. Namely, they will be able to help stop violence by acting responsibly. He stressed that, even in these circumstances, the police are responding to calls or reports. They are taking the necessary measures to protect victims and to deal with bullies. Namely, they are aware of the fact that the victims of violence are in an even more difficult situation at the time of the pandemic. The likelihood of an outbreak or escalation of violence is higher and, on top of that, it is even more difficult for people to report violence or seek appropriate help.

The operation of the Trbovlje General Hospital in the context of the pandemic was presented by the director of the Trbovlje General Hospital, dr Romana Martinčič. She said that two COVID-19 compartments with 34 beds were set up at the hospital, representing 26 per cent of the total hospital capacity. Since the outbreak, a total of 115 COVID-19 patients have been treated, and 28 of them died. Both ordinary and intensive care beds are mostly fully occupied at all times, and they have already had a virus invasion of the white zone: currently, 32 employees suffer from COVID-19, which is about nine percent of all hospital staff.