Romania New Military Ordinance introduces further restrictions to fight COVID-19

In a further attempt to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs issued its second Military Ordinance on 21.03.2020. The Ordinance introduces further restrictions (see our previous Law-Now here on the first round of restrictions) and social distancing measures. Briefly, the following restrictions apply:

1. other than for emergencies, all activities in dental offices is suspended starting 22 March 2020, 10.00 pm local time;
2. all retail trading of products and services carried out in commercial centres (e.g. malls) where several operators operate shall be suspended as of 22 March 2020, 10.00 pm local time, except for the sale of food stuffs, veterinary or pharmaceutical products and cleaning services;
3. travelling outside of one’s home is prohibited in “groups”, defined as any gathering of more than 3 individuals who do not live together;
4. it is recommended that travelling outside of one’s home between 6.00 am and 10.00 pm local time be restricted only:
   1. for professional purposes (i.e. travelling to/from work) if the professional activity is essential and cannot be delayed or performed remotely;
   2. for procuring products covering basic individual needs and those needed for the conduct of one’s professional activity;
   3. for obtaining medical assistance that cannot be delayed or procured remotely;
   4. for justified reasons (such as child care, assistance for the elderly/sick/disabled, death of a family member);
   5. short outings, in the vicinity of one’s home, for individual sports and animal care needs.
5. starting with 23 March 2020, 10 pm local time, travelling outside of one’s home between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am is permitted only for the reasons provided in (iv) above and is subject to documentary justification e.g. certificate issued by the employer or an affidavit on own responsibility;
6. as of 22 March 2020, 10.00 pm local time, no foreigners may enter Romania (other than on a transit corridor organised in agreement with neighbouring states), except for foreigners who: are family members of a Romanian citizen; are family members of citizens of other EU/EEA member states or of Switzerland whose residence is in Romania; have a long stay permits or equivalent document; travel for professional purposes (subject to adequate proof); belong to diplomatic or consular missions, international organisations, the military or similar; travel for emergency/unavoidable (family or medical) circumstances; require international protection or for other humanitarian reasons.

For more information on the above, and how these restrictions may impact you or your business, contact Cristina Popescu.