If you were planning to spend this weekend at the seaside, this will unfortunately not be possible. In the coastal karst region, which is back in the red phase due to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, movement will again be restricted as of midnight.

Due to the deteriorating epidemiological situation in the coastal karst region, the Government decided by way of an amended decree that as of tomorrow, the gathering of people in this region will be prohibited, movement will be restricted to within the region and entry restrictions will also apply. As with past movement restrictions, several exceptions will apply also this time, including going to work, caring for family members and seasonal work. Anyone who has recovered from COVID-19, has been vaccinated or has had a negative test for coronavirus taken no more than 48 hours ago will also be able to cross the borders of the coastal karst region. Schools and kindergartens in the coastal karst region will remain open. The Government is also trying to find ways for the remaining high school students to return to school and for classes to be held in the future in schools for all pupils and high school students.

This year, however, Slovenia can look forward to being part of a great sports spectacle, as after seventeen years, the second major multi-week bicycle race in the world, Giro d'Italia, will once again take place on Slovenian soil. The dazzling success of Slovenian cyclists and the successful implementation of one stage of the race in the Goriška region in Slovenia also played an important role in the selection. After being awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2025, the people of Nova Gorica, where the peloton of cyclists will ride, have areason to celebrate, as they succeeded in obtaining official confirmation that the route of one stage of the Giro d'Italia will pass through their municipality. This means the cycling will be an additional piece in the cross-border mosaic of the European Capital of Culture 2025.