The Extraordinary Public Health Commission has updated the restrictions aimed at combating the spread of the novel coronavirus and has upgraded the national status to code orange. The new measures are being adopted in response to the growing number of cases nationwide, IPN reports.

Under the decision, it becomes mandatory to wear masks in all types of enclosed public spaces, including public transport, as well as in open spaces where observing a physical distance of at least 1 meter is unfeasible. The mask must cover both the mouth and the nose.

To avoid overcrowding on public transport, both public sector and private entities that employ 50 or more employees are advised to organize working hours in such a way that various groups of staff can arrive at, and leave their workplaces at least one hour apart from each other.

The Commission allows access to public catering institutions in enclosed spaces, theaters, museums, cinemas, libraries, leisure areas, festivities (weddings, birthday parties etc.), mass events (festivals, fairs etc.), sports centers and swimming pools provided that the attendance does not exceed 50% of the maximum capacity of the respective space, and no more than 250 people irrespective of the capacity. There must be no less than 4 square meters of space reserved for every person attending and sanitary requirements must be respected.

Also, public events in open spaces where observing the 1 meter requirement is impossible will be allowed on condition that everybody wears masks. Again, masks shall cover both the mouth and the nose.

The total Covid count in Moldova has exceeded 261,000 cases, with over 253,000 cases reported as recovered.