Statement by the Minister of Health on the decisions of the Council of Ministers on the gradual relaxation of measures

Please see here in English the full officially translated speech of the Minister of Health on the relaxation of measures as announced today.

 The key points are as follows:

 a) as of 8 March 2022, individuals who are positive to the virus can be released on the 7th day, provided that they have a negative (Rapid or PCR) test result. If the result is positive, the procedure can be repeated until the test is negative, or until the 10th day of self-isolation. The decision shall have retroactive effect.

b) as of 8 March 2022, individuals who are close contacts of a confirmed positive case who have not isolated from the virus-positive person (e.g. parents taking care of a minor, etc.) instead of staying in isolation for 10+7 days, can be tested (Rapid or PCR) after the release of the positive case on the 10th day and if their result is negative they can be released. The decision shall have a retroactive effect.

c) as of 8 March 2022, the approval of the readjustment plan of the measures against COVID-19. The plan will include premises and professional activities, which will be classified according to risk, and citizens with or without a vaccination history will be aware of the respective preconditions for entering these premises. The plan will include 4 categories on the basis of which areas will be classified:

a) High-risk

b) Medium risk

c) Low-risk

d) short stay areas, where the SafePass presentation will not be required.

The provisions of the readjustment plan will be announced within the day.

d) as of 8 March 2022, the increase of capacity in retail businesses, casinos and gyms.

e) as of 8 March 2022, the increase of the maximum number of persons at events including weddings and christenings to 500 people, provided that the area of the venue allows for a ratio of 1.5 m² per person.

f) the lifting of the ban on student parades. A special protocol with guidelines will be issued.