Due to a surge in the number of new coronavirus infections Slovenia will tighten the already introduced measures and as of Tuesday, a ban will be in force on movement outside one's place of residence, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Sunday evening.

A country-wide ban on movement outside one’s place of residence will be in force for seven days after which the restriction will be gradually relaxed in those regions that will be the first ones to curb the epidemic, Jansa said on Twitter.

“The number of new coronavirus infections has been rising, that is why we are introducing new measures from the government’s plan to contain the spread of the epidemic,” he said, noting that for the time being there was no need to accommodate patients in tents and other similar facilities.

Slovenia on Saturday had 1,675 new cases of the coronavirus infections and five related fatalities, which is the second highest number of new infections since the start of the epidemic, after 1,961 new cases on Friday.

The country currently has 625.8 infected persons per 100,000 inhabitants, which is among the higher rates in Europe.

Since Saturday a lockdown has been in force, and all shops have been closedexcept those selling food and basic necessities. Also closed are hairdresser’s shops and beauty salons, wellness centres, swimming pools, cinemas, theatres and gyms while schools have switched to online classes.