The health authorities announced 13 new cases of infection with COVID-19 following the testing of 95 samples. Seven of them are cases of import as the persons returned infected from Italy, the UK and Ukraine, IPN reports.

After the meeting of the Single Command Center for monitoring the crisis caused by COVID-19, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbrăveanu said that six cases were classed as cases of local transmission, but the data from two epidemiological forms are to be additionally verified. The rise in the number of cases of infection with COVID-19 was expected.

Prime Minister Ion Chicu said the restrictions imposed on the activity of markets, shopping centers and recreation centers remain in force. The number of people who cross Moldova’s borders decreased significantly. There were operated a number of charter flights to bring Moldovans who were in European states home. These filled out epidemiological forms and are under self-isolation regime at home.  

The Commission for Emergency Situations will convene on March 20 to analyze the situation and consider the subsequent steps.

A state of emergency was declared in Moldova for 60 days as of March 17.