In view of the growing number of coronavirus infections in the last few weeks, the government has stepped up certain measures to prevent the spread of infections. It has restricted the number of people gathering in public, which is now 10. Mass gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted in exception; however, the organiser of such an event must keep a list of the participants and their contact details for at least one month. These events include private parties, wedding parties, family picnics, etc. The ordinance restricting mass gatherings for sports and cultural events to 500 people remains in force.

In addition to the decision on enhanced supervision of the implementation of quarantine decisions, one of this week’s most important measures is the protection of the most vulnerable demographics: by the order of the Ministry of Health, homes for the elderly, hospitals, health centres and other social welfare institutions have been declared endangered areas. Although the disease is currently affecting younger people, who, as a rule, do not need hospital treatment, this can change quickly if the virus spreads among the older population.

The Government also plans to significantly strengthen its laboratory capacity to test for infections with the novel coronavirus in the autumn, thus enabling the state to carry out 2,500 tests per day, which will be 1,000 more than the current situation.  The parliament is also discussing a proposal for an act that allows Slovenia to introduce a mobile application for the protection of human health and life, which will help both epidemiologists and the population.

8 July has also brought some changes to border crossings and in the serving of quarantine decisions at the border with Croatia and Hungary, and at Jože Pučnik Airport. Thus, citizens of France and the Czech Republic may again enter Slovenia without restrictions, the only exception being the Czech administrative unit of Moravia-Silesia, which remains on the yellow list of countries. From 8 July, quarantine decisions will be served at the border with Croatia (Gruškovje, Metlika and Jelšane border crossings) and Hungary (Pince border crossing) and at Jože Pučnik Airport only between 6 am and 10 pm, and 24/7 at the Obrežje border crossing (border with Croatia).