Over five thousand protesters against new restrictive measures in Romania

COVIDD-19 daily infections in the country of the 19 million European Union have increased from about 1,000 daily cases a month ago to 12,590 new cases Saturday. This was the highest daily number of infections in Romania since the beginning of the pandemic.

The increase is putting the country's hospitals under serious pressure as intensive care units reach close national capacity, the AP writes, conveys Clankosova. tv

Authorities have said the new restrictions will be implemented when the rate of infection in a area exceeds 6 per thousand inhabitants over a 14-day period. Bucharest's infection rate Saturday was over 8 per thousand inhabitants.

Marchers mostly without masks blocked traffic and cheered “Lari!” A banner wrote: “Green Certificates = dictatorship”. The demonstration was organised by Romania's far-right AUR party.

The new restrictions, expected to go into effect in the coming days, will require people to wear masks in public environments and shops to close at 10:00. The restaurants will remain open with half the capacity, but only for people with a permit of COVID-19.