Govt puts forward EUR 3bn stimulus package, expands aid to individuals
LJUBLJANA - The government has adopted a new stimulus package meant mitigate the impact of coronavirus. While upgrading support measures for companies like pay compensation for temporary lay-offs, tax and loan payment deferrals and adding things like loan guarantees and financing of social contributions, the scheme has been expanded to also include temporary basic income for the self-employed and allowances for pensioners, large families and students. The package includes bonuses for vital staff and a pay cut for public office holders. The measures are worth EUR 3 billion through the end of May but the price tag may be higher if the crisis lasts longer.
Lockdown restrictions tightened as most movement restricted to home municipality
LJUBLJANA - Slovenians will be confined to their home municipality for most daily activities under a government decree that significantly tightens lockdown restrictions as of Monday in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. Masks will be mandatory in indoor public spaces. While strict rules have been in place since 20 March, the government decided to step up the restrictions in the aftermath of reports of people continuing to visit popular weekend destinations despite being advised to stay home. Oversight of people's movement may become even more strict soon as the umbrella law to fight the coronavirus epidemic contains provisions giving police sweeping powers to control the movement of individuals. Meanwhile, another novelty affects shopping - as of Monday pensioners will only be allowed into stores between 8am and 10am to protect them as a vulnerable group.
Two deaths and 46 new Covid-19 cases confirmed on Saturday, putting totals at 11 and 730
LJUBLJANA - Two more persons died in Slovenia as a result of Covid-19 on Saturday, putting the total number at 11. The number of confirmed cases rose by 46 to 730, with the increase comparing to 52 on Friday and 70 on Thursday, showed data released today. A total of 997 persons were tested on Saturday, down from 1,387 on Friday and 1,075 on Thursday. The total figure so far is 20,753. The number of hospitalised patients increased by 11 to 101 on Saturday, 23 of which need intensive care. Moreover, the first confirmed case of coronavirus in a prisoner in Slovenia has been confirmed as Slovenia's largest incarceration facility in Dob has said one inmate has fallen ill.
President Pahor thanks all working hard during crisis with Apple of Inspiration
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor honoured those helping society to function as normally as possible amid the coronavirus epidemic with the Apple of Inspiration. At the symbolic ceremony in an empty hall at the Presidential Palace, Pahor said their selfless contribution inspired hope. "There are many of you, including many we don't know about. But we do know that we owe a lot of gratitude and special respect to every single one of you. It is to you that the Apple of Inspiration is intended for," Pahor said.
Archbishop Zore warns against carelessness, urges attentiveness
LJUBLJANA - Ljubljana Archbishop Stanislav Zore called on people in Slovenia in a televised address to observe coronavirus lockdown rules and to preserve "an active and attentive attitude to people", in particular those in hospitals and those risking infection to help. In an address on the occasion of the fifth Sunday of Lent, Zore said would like "this experience cleanse us of everything negative, sinful, so that we turn into better human beings in the course of these weeks and months".
