The National Extraordinary Public Health Commission imposed a number of restrictions concerning the activity of markets, non-grocery stores and public eating places, modifying their program. It also banned holding wedding parties, christening ceremonies, anniversary celebrations and other events in public eating places, IPN reports.

In a press briefing, acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi said the shopping centers and non-grocery stores from March 20 will close at 6pm so as to reduce the flow of persons.

The farmers’ markets and non-food markets will work between 7am and 3pm. The restaurants will close doors to clients at 8pm, but can continue work until 7am under delivery regime.

It is also banned holding scientific conferences, professional assemblies, Olympiads, sports competitions, exhibitions, festivals, agricultural fairs and commercial events with the physical presence of persons. The restrictions imposed earlier on concert halls, theaters, etc. remain in force. 

Aureliu Ciocoi said that according to updated reports, practically all the districts are under a red alert.  The situation in the municipality of Chisinau is the most serious one as the infection rate here is of 1,460 cases per 100,000. This is 14 times higher than the limit for issuing a red alert. The situation is also serious in Anenii Noi, Ialoveni and Strășeni districts.