Romania becoming one of the countries with the highest number of daily new infections among the EU

Romania reported 889 COVID-19 patients in the last 24 hours, hitting record high and becoming one of the countries with the highest number of daily new infections among the European Union (EU).

Official data released on Saturday showed that the country, after reporting over 700 new cases for two days, broke the 800 mark for the first time in the last 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections to 36,691.

There were 21 new deaths in the last 24 hours,

and the total number of deaths exceeded the 2,000 mark, reaching 2,009, according to the Strategic Communication Group (GCS), the country’s official COVID-19 communication task force.

• Coronavirus – One patient dies, 22 new infections in Hungary

Currently, 280 patients are in intensive care units. Recent official data showed that the number of the critically ill patients is continuing to increase, breaking the highest record every day.

Meanwhile, 22,488 people have recovered, according to GCS.

To date, 943,733 tests have been processed across the country with a population of some 19 million.

The authorities announced on Wednesday to extend by another month the current state of alert against the pandemic, the second one-month extension after the country entered the state of alert in mid-May, following the end of a two-month higher-level state of emergency.

Under the current regulations, the indoor activities of the catering industry, cinemas and theaters are still suspended. People must wear masks in indoor public places such as work units, shops, and public transportation, and maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters.

The epidemic has rebounded in Romania since mid-June.

The statistics showed that the number of new single-day cases averaged over 320 between June 16 and June 30 and 540 since July, while the average daily cases in the first half of June were 194.

Read alsoThings to know if you plan to come to Hungary

Nearly 100 COVID-19 cases confirmed at Romania meat processing plant

As many as 93 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 over the past week at a meat processing plant in Timis County, western Romania, local health authorities announced Saturday.

More than 800 samples have been collected after eight employees of the plant were diagnosed with infection on July 12. In the last 24 hours, 56 people tested positive, pushing the total to 93 in the company. However, no one is symptomatic currently.

“The activity of the entire plant was suspended for a period of seven days, with the possibility of extension in case of need,” said the Public Health Directorate of Timis.

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing, and specialized personnel are taking all measures at the scene to limit the outbreak, it said. All those found positive are isolated in a place provided by the company, under close medical supervision.

Source: Xinhua