The coronavirus-related epidemiological situation in Slovenia is improving, so it was announced on Thursday that nearly all shops would reopen as part of the increasingly greater relaxation of restrictive measures, and preparations are underway to restart tourism.

Nearly two months since the introduction of lockdown all shops should reopen as of Monday.

“True, we haven’t completely stopped the epidemic, but we’re on the right track. After nearly two months, a significant number of restrictions on shops and tourism are being lifted,” State Secretary at the Economy Ministry, Simon Zajc, told a press conference in Ljubljana.

He underscored that all shops, including big shopping malls, were free to reopen as of Monday. In addition, pubs and restaurants, including those providing indoor service, as well as kitchens, may reopen, and preparations are underway to reopen tourism facilities.

In the last 24 hours, with 984 tests carried out, only one new case of the coronavirus infection was conformed in Slovenia, and there were no new deaths, while the number of hospitalised patients continues to drop, the government said on Thursday.

Currently there are only 32 COVID-19 patients being treated in hospitals, including seven in intensive care units. The number of deaths is still 103.

With more than 66,000 tests carried out since the start of the epidemic, a total of 1,465 cases of the coronavirus infection have been confirmed to date.