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This summary is provided by the STA:
Janša urges realistic approach to implementing climate goals
GLASGOW, UK - PM Janez Janša highlighted the need to create a realistic path to implement the goals from the Paris climate agreement as he addressed the World Leaders Summit, a high-level political event held in Glasgow as part of the ongoing COP26 climate conference. Moving away from coal and oil is a key element in reaching the set goals, and nuclear energy could replace fossil fuels as a transition source of energy, Janša said, as quoted by his office. He said it was urgent to act to limit climate warning, urging all countries to contribute their share. "It is high time to create a realistic path to the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal," he said.
Covid infections keep rising, positivity rate hits nearly 50%
LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,257 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Slovenia on Sunday, up from 707 the previous Sunday, with the positivity rate reaching a record of almost 48%, show the latest figures released by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). Eleven Covid patients died. There are now 603 Covid patients in hospitals, up 31 from Sunday, which is the first time since 2 May that the number of hospitalisations surpassed 600. 142 are in intensive care, up 4 from yesterday.
Regular testing starts in hospitals, social care institutions
LJUBLJANA - As the epidemiological situation is deteriorating further, regular coronavirus testing was introduced in all hospitals and social care institutions today while employees in all sectors who are not vaccinated or reconvalescent will need to be tested more frequently, every 48 hours. Voluntary self-testing for primary and secondary school pupils and university students is intensified from once to twice a week. It is now recommended for all school children, including those in the first six years of primary schools, who have so far been exempt from the rule.
Fundraising campaign for STA relaunched
LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Journalist Association (DNS) relaunched a fundraising campaign to secure funds for the STA, which has not received any budget fundinf for its public service since the start of the year. As part of the "Za obSTAnek" campaign (For STAsurvival), EUR 5 can be donated via SMS donations, while larger donations can be transferred onto a special DNS bank account. The DNS first launched such a campaign on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, raising EUR 275,000 in a month.
Cigarettes more expensive
LJUBLJANA - Slovenian tobacco prices rose under the changes to excise taxes the government confirmed in September. A pack of 20 cigarettes is now 10 cents, or around 2.5%, more expensive. The second round of tobacco excise duty rises will follow in April next year. Once both rises are implemented, the retail price of cigarettes will be by an average 4.6% more expensive, bringing EUR 15.6 million annually to the national budget.
Dead commemorated around the country
LJUBLJANA - Slovenians marked the Day of Remembrance of the Death, or All Saints' Day, by visiting graves to pay respects to the dead. Officials meanwhile laid wreaths at memorials to the victims of wars and war-related violence. President Borut Pahor and a delegation of senior state officials laid a wreath at the memorial to all victims of war and war-related violence at the main state commemoration in Congress Square in Ljubljana. Speaker Igor Zorčič then laid wreaths at several memorials at Žale cemetery in Ljubljana.
Minister Jaklitsch visits Slovenians in Udine area
CIVIDALE, Italy - Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch visited the Slovenian ethnic minority in the area of Udine (Videm) in Italy's region Friuli-Venezia Giulia on Sunday, ahead of the Day of Remembrance of the Dead, or All Saints' Day. On behalf of Slovenia, she laid wreaths at two memorials, and visited the grave of Slovenian patriot and culture worker Viljem Černo (1937-2017), while also meeting Resia Mayor Anna Micelli.
Trucks banned from overtaking on all Slovenian motorways
LJUBLJANA - Heavy trucks are banned from overtaking on the Slovenian motorways as of today after the ban kicked in on the A1 motorway, that is between Šentilj (NE) and Koper (SW), on 15 January. A violation carries a fine of 300 euro. The ban for trucks heavier than 7.5 tonnes on the Šentilj-Koper motorway has produced good results, improving traffic flow, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said on Twitter as he announced the new measure.
