STA, 11 June 2021 - The government Covid-19 advisory group has proposed that the formal declaration of the coronavirus epidemic not be extended after it expires next week. Health Minister Janez Poklukar said next Tuesday will likely be the last day of the epidemic, however this will not mean a complete relaxation of measures.
Under the act on communicable diseases, there is a legal basis for certain Covid restrictions to remain in place after the formal end of the epidemic, Poklukar noted at Friday's Covid briefing.
Today, Slovenia entered the EU's orange tier of restrictions as its 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents has fallen below 150, standing at 146.
The group's head Mateja Logar said that the proposal for the government not to extend the epidemic had been made because two out of three thresholds had been met and the remaining one, the 14-day incidence below 140, would likely be reached in the coming days.
The virus is still circulating and current preventive measures do not affect day-to-day life much, she said, noting that proof of either vaccination or recovery or a negative test result would remain obligatory for events and hospitality services after next week.
The same goes for caps on visitors or customers, mask-wearing in indoor public spaces and physical distancing. On the other hand, the end of the epidemic will mean the end of a cap on patrons sitting at the same table in bars and restaurants.
Logar expects that the epidemic curve will continue to decline and that Slovenia will be upgraded to the green tier of restrictions according to the EU's criteria in late July or early August.
