New restrictions introduced in Moldova in context of pandemic crisis

Chisinau, 19 March /MOLDPRES/ - The National Extraordinary Public Health Commission (CNESP), at a today’s meeting, approved more restrictive measures for a string of social and economic sectors, following the worsening of the epidemiological situation in Moldova, triggered by COVID-19. Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi made statements to this effect at a news briefing after the CNESP meeting.    
According to the acting PM, who is also the CNESP head, as of 20 March, the commercial centres, as well as the non-commercial units from Moldova will work till 18:00. The agro-food markets will be opened as of 7:00 till 15:00 and the restaurants will cease their schedule with the clients at 20:00; yet, they will be able to work in delivery regime till 7:00.  
Also, the organization of weddings, christening parties, anniversaries, other events of this kind is banned in public nourishment units. At the same time, the holding of scientific, professional and other kinds of conferences, rallies of any types, festivals, sports competitions, Olympiads, agricultural fairs, exhibitions, etc. is prohibited.  
Prime Minister  Aurel Ciocoi also said that the people ‘’entering Moldova, in the lack of the COVID-19 test, made no earlier than 72 hour before, will fill in the epidemiological card and will compulsorily stay 14 days in quarantine.  ‘’After the expiration of ten days, on condition that a test was made and the result is negative, the quarantine regime might be lift earlier. The provision is compulsory also for the citizens who were earlier benefitting from facilities in this respect, such as the pupils and students who study abroad,’’ the acting PM noted.     
As for the education system, Aureliu Ciocoi said that CNESP had intended to cease the education with physical presence in general; yet, decision-makers took into account arguments by the Education, Culture and Research Ministry (MECC), as well as by epidemiologists and ruled to renounce, for the time being, this solution. ‘’Although we have Red Code of alert in Moldova, nevertheless, there are settlements where the situation is better. Therefore, we decided to delegate this at the discretion of the local public administration and school management, which will decide, by common consent, on how they will act locally as to the work of schools and kindergartens, depending on the epidemiological state,’’ the PM said.   
At the same time, Aureliu Ciocoi said that all control bodies or the ones with powers in crises’ management will massively get involved in the verification and monitoring of the observance of the rules imposed by the authorities. ‘’One thing is the restriction on paper and what happens in reality, on street and public spaces is something different; therefore, we will keep a close eye on the observance of the measures imposed. I warn that the people who infringe the measures, will have tough repercussions,’’ the acting prime minister said
As many as 210,725 cases of COVID-19 were registered in Moldova till 18 March and 4,472 people died of this virus.