Romania’s health minister said Saturday a second wave of COVID-19 infections could come in the autumn, urging people to respect the lockdown during the holiday period.
“We are expecting a second wave in October-December, but it depends very much how we cope with this wave,” Nelu Tataru said Saturday. “We have these three days (May 1-3) which are usually a mini-vacation.”
“We’re after two month (lockdown) and we have a lovely day and people’s patience is tested, but we have to understand, we need to be patient.”
“The Easter period was handled well, and if we manage to cope with the May 1-3 period, it will give us hope that things can relax and hope that the next waves will be much smaller,” he said.
Tataru visited the counties of Vaslui and Iasi in northeastern Romania on Saturday and talked to healthcare staff about how they were coping with the crisis.
Romania has reported 12,732 coronavirus infections and 755 deaths, authorities said. Tataru said some 1,300 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus.
Romania’s state of emergency is due to be lifted on May 15, but restrictions will remain. Restaurants and clubs, for example will not re-open immediately.
It will be compulsory to wear masks in enclosed public spaces, such as in shops or on public transport.
Tatatru warned there were currently ” outbreaks where people are institutionalized and (among) people who look after these people.”
“We’re at a moment when we have to be extra careful. The fact we are have teams, medicines, and health supplies mustn’t lead to a relaxation where we could make a mistake.”
