June 25th 2020

Migrants detained in western Romania

21 illegal migrants were detained early on Thursday near the border check point of Nădlac II in western Romania. The migrants of Syrian and Palestinian origin including three women and two children of 8 and 10 were found in a van while trying to leave the country on their way to Western Europe. The driver was a Bulgarian citizen of 42 involved in spare parts trading from Turkey to Austria, according to documents mentioned by police in the Romanian western town of Arad. The driver is currently under investigation for trafficking migrants and foreigners attempting to cross Romania’s border illegally.

996 Romanians working at German slaughterhouse test positive for SARS-CoV-2

996 Romanians working at a slaughterhouse at Rheda-Wiedenbrueck in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus. Romanians in quarantine received food supplies and hygiene products, according to a statement issued by Romania’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday. Almost all slaughterhouse workers will perform tests by July 3, the ministry added. On June 23, German authorities in North-Rhein Wesfalia announced renewed lockdown measures following a COVID-19 outbreak at Germany’s largest meat-packing plant. A quarantine was also imposed in the neighbouring district of Warendorf on Wednesday, where 211 COVID-19 infections were confirmed. Romanians make up a significant part of the estimated 300,000 foreign seasonal workers who travel to Germany each year.

Romanian restaurants may reopen next week

A decision on Romanian restaurants’ reopening is expected by the end of this week following a new assessment of Coronavirus pandemic. However, a decision on the matter may be delayed following recent rise of COVID-19 cases across the country, Romanian Economy Minister Virgil Popescu told a private TV channel on Thursday. Minister Popescu also called on Romanians to comply with social distancing rules while wearing face covering in public transport and closed spaces and avoid public outdoor gatherings. On Thursday Romania reported 25,286 coronavirus cases with 1,565 deaths and 17,906 recovered while another 460 new cases were confirmed.

Alexandru Danga