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Klaus Iohannis announces the relaxation of the quarantine conditions starting with May 15
President Klaus Iohannis announced on Wednesday that after May 15, everyone will be required to wear protective masks in enclosed public spaces and public transport. "We have decided today that after May 15 everyone will be required to wear protective masks in enclosed public spaces and when using public transport," Iohannis told a news conference on Wednesday at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace after a meeting on COVID-19 epidemic management measures with Prime Minister Ludovic Orban, Interior Minister Marcel Vela, Health Minister Nelu Tataru, and head of the Department for Emergency Situations Raed Arafat.
He said that the mandate to wear a mask could be waived next year, when the coronavirus pandemic is under control and there is no risk of more infection. Iohannis wore a face mask when he made the announcement, and then he took it off. "Dear Romanians, this is what we will look like after May 15 in enclosed public spaces and when we use public transport," Iohannis said.
The president also announced that shortly a "quite detailed" plan will be unveiled regarding the relaxation of measures imposed amidst the coronavirus epidemic, and one of such measures is related to the obligation to wear a protective mask.
"Let's not imagine that everything will return to normal on May 15. Some restrictions will disappear, many more, unfortunately, will stay in force, and, step by step, according to a schedule that also relates to the developments of COVID-19 cases, we will try to get into what is called a new normalcy, because, unfortunately, specialists, experts, doctors are telling us that the virus will not go away. We will have to find a way to live with the virus, with the epidemic. This means in free translation that, as the bans imposed by the authorities are rescinded, the responsibility of each of us will become greater for all, but especially for the vulnerable categories; the elderly, those with other medical conditions will have to take much more care of themselves and we will need to take more care of how we interact with people who are more prone to infection," said Iohannis.
He said that new information will be relayed as it becomes available.