04 Nov 2021, 07:48 AM

SAZU Human Rights Commission Warn Slovenia Moving to Autocratic Rule

STA, 3 November 2021 - A group of members of the Human Rights Commission at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU) has expressed concern that Slovenia is moving to a totalitarian form of government, urging MPs to stand up against what it sees as demolition of the constitutional order in the country.

In an open letter similar to the one issued by the commission a year ago that the SAZU distanced itself from, the group says the government's way of running the country and controlling civil society is taking the country to a "totalitarian form of government".

The commission finds that since it warned of arbitrary measures and autocratic and repressive conduct by the government a year ago, the autocratic style of government has only worsened. They say the executive branch of power has raised itself above the legislative, being that it rules mainly by means of executive orders, and above the judiciary, being that it does not respect court rulings.

"The violence of those in power is provoking people's revolt, even violence. We condemn any violence, both that committed by the state and that by civil society. It is indecent and harmful that the state should declare peaceful protests, including an academic's reading the constitution and an academician's reading his own poems, as something violent," the letter reads.

"With such proclamations, the government is turning things upside-down. Democratic conduct is being condemned as undemocratic, while it proclaims its undemocratic, autocratic conduct as a form of 'new' liberal democracy," the commission says, adding that such democracy is nothing but autocracy, which "leads either to anarchy and chaos or to totalitarianism".

"By defying the institutions and senior officials of the European Union, the prime minister is creating mistrust in this precious supranational alliance of countries," the commission says, urging MPs to put aside fear, and personal and party interests, and vote according to their oath and commitments. "Only you can stand up against demolition of the order as determined in the constitution."

The open letter was signed by SAZU Human Rights Commission members Milan Dekleva, Josip Globevnik, Tine Hribar, Ivan Kreft, Blaž Rozman, Renata Salecl and Alenka Šelih.

SAZU said the signatories were not speaking on behalf of the Human Rights Commission or the SAZU. "The SAZU does not interfere in current political issues and neither do its working bodies. But just like all citizens of Slovenia, SAZU members have the right to express personal opinions," the organisation said.

04 Nov 2021, 05:02 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Thursday, 4 November 2021

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

Daily count of coronavirus cases reaches new high

LJUBLJANA - The daily number of new coronavirus cases recorded on Tuesday was the highest since the start of the epidemic, as 3,456 of 7,722 PCR tests came back positive - almost 45%. Eighteen more deaths were reported, according to the government, which is the highest number since February. Hospitalisations rose by 36 to 670, with 159 patients in intensive care, one more than the day before. The seven-day average of new daily cases increased by 46 on the day before to 2,223 as the 14-day incidence per 100,000 people rose by 62 to 1,391.

Challenges facing Slovenian energy sector discussed at top-level meeting

BRDO PRI KRANJU - Government ministers and energy sector representatives discussed key frameworks and guidelines on climate change, the decarbonisation of society and the importance of energy in different sectors at a working meeting on energy convened by Prime Minister Janez Janša. "Slovenia's energy independence must be strengthened through renewable energy sources, including the second unit of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, and new technologies as well," Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said after the talks.

Logar discusses stronger and resilient EU with Greek counterpart

ATHENS, Greece - Foreign Minister Anže Logar held talks with counterpart Nikos Dendias. The ministers exchanged views on bilateral, regional, European and other topical global issues, focusing on the achievements of the Slovenian EU presidency. Integration of the Mediterranean countries, a coordinated response to the consequences of the pandemic and related economic recovery, the situation in the Western Balkans, EU enlargement, the Conference on the Future of Europe and other European topics were also discussed.

Digital transformation in focus as Montenegrin public administration minister visits

LJUBLJANA - Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik met his Montenegrin counterpart Tamara Srzentić. The pair shared the view that the pandemic had exposed the urgency for the public sector to digitalise, in which context they highlighted the citizens' trust in new solutions as a key condition. Koritnik and the Montenegrin minister of public administration, digitalisation and media discussed public administration reforms, digital transformation, development of e-services, and local government, the Slovenian Ministry of Public Administration said in a press release.

Members of SAZU Human Rights Commission call on MPs to stand up to autocratic rule

LJUBLJANA - Several members of the Human Rights Commission of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU) have expressed concern that Slovenia is moving towards a totalitarian form of government, urging MPs to stand up against what it sees as demolition of the constitutional order in the country. In an open letter similar to the one issued by the commission a year ago that the SAZU distanced itself from, the group says the government's way of running the country and controlling civil society is taking Slovenia to a "totalitarian form of government".

Court annuls govt decision in Mokrice power station case over nature protection

LJUBLJANA - The Administrative Court has annulled a government decision which said that the public interest of renewables prevails over the interest to protect nature as part of a procedure to obtain a building permit for the Mokrice power station on the river Sava. The court held that the entire environmental impact assessment procedure must be carried out before starting the public-interest procedure. The company HESS, the Mokrice investor, hopes "a renewed procedure determining dominance of public interest is carried out as soon as possible" to promptly obtain a building permit.

Major rail upgrade project completed in eastern Slovenia

CELJE - The upgrade of a 26-kilometre railway section between Zidani Most and Celje in eastern Slovenia was declared completed at a ceremony which heard the project cost EUR 230 million, which is about EUR 50 million less that the initial cost estimate. The upgrade has increased throughput and shortened travel times. The capacity has thus increased from 328 to 354 trains per day.

Summit Leasing Slovenija entering Croatian market

LJUBLJANA - Summit Leasing Slovenija, a leasing firm owned by NKBM bank, announced it would enter the Croatian market after signing an agreement to acquire Mercedes-Benz Leasing Hrvatska. The details of the deal have not been disclosed. They plan to continue providing high-quality financial services for all stakeholders. "We'll achieve that by focusing on service excellence through digitalisation, integration of financial services in sales, and continued investment in the development of employee competences," Summit Leasing director Mitja Otorepec said.

Number of Ljubljana-Belgrade flights increasing to nine a week

LJUBLJANA - The increasing demand for flights between Ljubljana and Belgrade has prompted Air Serbia to expand the number of flights by two to nine a week as of 14 November, the Ex-Yu Aviation portal announced. Fraport Slovenija, the operator of the Ljubljana airport, said that 13 airlines offered 14 direct air links to 12 countries around the world in the winter season, which started last weekend and will last until 26 March 2022.

Luna Jurančič Šribar wins Mira award

LJUBLJANA - The women's section of Slovenian PEN has conferred this year's Mira Prize for outstanding women authors on younger-generation writer Luna Jurančič Šribar, who, the jury says, focuses on women characters, rebellious and strong heroines who have their destiny in their hands despite hardships and life on the margin of society. The tenth Mira recipient started her writing career with short stories, followed by a novel in 2018 and another collection of short stories in 2020.

Festival of Slovenian drama opens with awards ceremony

KRANJ - The 51st Week of Slovenian Drama, the main festival featuring productions of Slovenian plays, opened with an awards ceremony. Tjaša Mislej received the 2020 Slavko Grum Prize for Naše Skladišče (Our Warehouse) and Varja Hrvatin received the award for up-and-coming playwright for Vse Se Je Začelo z Golažem iz Zajčkov (Everything Started with a Rabbit Goulash). The festival will bring around a dozen productions, many accompanying events and three new awards.

House of the Carniolan Honey Bee opens in Višnja Gora

VIŠNJA GORA - The House of the Carniolan Honey Bee was launched in the town of Višnja Gora. Housed in a converted school, it will be dedicated to presenting the heritage of the Carniolan bee and innovative beekeeping solutions. The House of the Carniolan Honey Bee, which includes the Apilab centre of innovative beekeeping technologies, was a challenging and important project that will combine tradition and the future, Prime Minister Janez Janša said in his keynote.

Slovenia's Expo pavilion draws 120,000 visitors in a month

DUBAI, UAE - The Slovenian pavilion at the Expo show in Dubai attracted more than 120,000 visitors in the first month since the opening, which SPIRIT Slovenija, the agency in charge of the country's Expo showcase, sees as a very successful start of the project. In a press release, SPIRIT said that overall impressions were positive, with the visitors rating Slovenia's leafy pavilion with an average score of 8.2.

03 Nov 2021, 15:32 PM

Flood Warning at the Coast

STA, 3 November 2021 - Rainy weather will continue this afternoon with more precipitation expected in the west. A strong southerly wind will blow in the western Primorska region. The Environment Agency has issued a warning of high tide flooding for the coast.

The high tide could cause the sea level to exceed the coastline by around 30 centimetres this evening, the agency warned.

It will be cloudy with rain on Thursday morning as well, but the precipitation should gradually abate and the skies should clear up in some places. Enhanced southerly and south-westerly winds will blow. Morning lows of 8-14 degrees Celsius are expected.

It will be changeable in the afternoon with some showers in the west. The wind will gradually die down. Daytime temperature highs will stand between 12 and 17 degrees.

Mostly sunny weather is expected in Primorska on Friday and Saturday with a weak bora wind. Inland, it will be moderately to predominately cloudy with morning fog in some places.

03 Nov 2021, 15:08 PM

Slovenia's Expo Pavilion in Dubai Sees 120,000 Visitors in First Month

STA, 3 November 2021 - The Slovenian pavilion at the Expo show in Dubai attracted more than 120,000 visitors in the first month since the opening, which SPIRIT Slovenija, the agency in charge of the country's Expo showcase, sees as a very successful start of the project.

In a press release, SPIRIT said that impressions were overly positive with the visitors rating Slovenia's leafy pavilion with an average score of 8.2.

SPIRIT director Tomaž Kostanjevec said the first month had shown that Slovenia's decision to appear at the world's fair in Dubai was a right one and that "both the visitors to the pavilion and Slovenian companies are very satisfied with the presentation".

The focus in the Slovenian pavilion in October was on circular economy and space technologies with the first two major business delegations hosted by the pavilion linked to those areas.

Slovenia also ranked prominently during the EU's Honour Day at Expo and two events in the Women's Pavilion, one promoting equal opportunities in the space economy and one focusing on career advancement.

On 1 November, the Slovenian pavilion hosted an event on smart villages.

This month the pavilion will showcase Ljubljana, following a presentation of Maribor.

It will welcome another two business delegations, one linked to smart villages and one to smart factories and materials. Both will host an international business forum.

Jure Leskovec, a Slovenian scientist from Stanford University, will give a lecture at the Slovenian pavilion in late November.

Lean more at the expo website

03 Nov 2021, 12:10 PM

More Ljubljana-Belgrade Flights Added to Schedule, Frankfurt Still Best Connected with Slovenia

STA, 3 November 2021 - The increasing demand for flights between Ljubljana and Belgrade has prompted Air Serbia to expand the number of flights by two to nine a week as of 14 November, the Ex-Yu Aviation portal has announced.

Fraport Slovenija, the operator of the Ljubljana airport, said that 13 airlines offered 14 direct air links to 12 countries around the world in the winter season, which started last weekend and which will last until 26 March 2022.

As of 14 November, Air Serbia, the flag carrier of Serbia, will add additional flights on Fridays and Sundays to the existing schedule of one flight from Ljubljana to Belgrade a day.

Brussels Airlines, which operates four flights a week from the Ljubljana airport, will switch to six flights a week in December, in addition to two flights a week to the Charleroi airport operated by the budget carrier Wizz Air.

Flydubai flies three times a week to Dubai, Turkish Airlines five times a week to Istanbul, and EasyJet four times a week to London Gatwick. As of mid-December, Wizz Air will operate flights from Ljubljana to London Luton three times a week.

Currently, the largest number of flights from the Ljubljana airport in a week is operated by Lufthansa, which flies to Frankfurt two times a day.

Aeroflot flies to Moscow three times a week, Air France offers eleven flights a week to Paris, Air Montenegro flies twice a week to Podgorica, LOT Polish Airlines six times a week to Warsaw, and Swiss Air Lines four times a week to Zürich.

03 Nov 2021, 11:07 AM

Finance: New Lockdown Would Be Janša’s Failure

STA, 3 November 2021 - The business daily Finance says a new lockdown would mark a defeat for the Janša government as it argued in Wednesday's commentary that Slovenia should have been well past the point where lockdowns are needed given that vaccines are now abundant and that much more about the virus is now known.

The paper dismisses the argument that hospitals are filling up and comparisons with the Italian city of Bergamo, as it notes that in October 2021, the health system should be capable of withstanding corona shocks or at least of dealing with more cases than a year ago.

"Forgive me for over-generalising a little bit, but the government has spent a billion euro over the past year for hazard pay in the public sector. It threw the money around everywhere, many if not most of the recipients were never even near hospitals.

"A billion euros is a lot of money and with prudent management a lot could have been done. Should nurses have been better compensated to they don't run away to other jobs?"

Turning to vaccination, the commentator says that some simply do not want to get vaccinated, other associate vaccines with aversion to the Janša government, and some have decided to believe conspiracy theories.

"True, everyone is individually responsible for vaccination. But nearly a year since vaccination started, we must ask this: has the Janez Janša government, with its expert group and vaccination coordinator, done enough to popularise vaccination. Would it have made sense to have a somewhat more positive approach to vaccination?"

The bottom line, according to the paper, is that it is unclear what the purpose of a new lockdown would be given the experience with last year's lockdown, which was supposed to last seven days but ended up dragging into spring.

"The impression is that people will respect rules set by the Janez Janša government even less than they did last year, and the fear that kept people at home in March 2020 is long gone. And mind you, if there is a lockdown, it will apply to everyone. This is far from being a good selling point for vaccines," the paper concludes in New Lockdown = New Defeat for the Janša Government [Novi lockdown bi bil novi poraz Janševe vlade].

03 Nov 2021, 08:45 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Wednesday, 3 November 2021

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

Lockdown measures looming as Covid situation worsens

LJUBLJANA - As hospital beds are filling with Covid-19 patients fast, the Covid-19 advisory team is meeting the government today to propose what an unofficial but well-placed source told the STA were two potential scenarios to tackle the situation; either a 10-day lockdown, or a series of restrictions, including an 11pm bar curfew, spectatorless sports events, and work from home for public employees. Official data shows another 1,136 infections were confirmed on Monday, a public holiday, on a test positivity rate of 43%. Ten Covid-19 patients died. Hospitalisations rose to 634 with 158 ICU cases.

Hospitals suspending elective procedures to increase capacity of Covid wards

LJUBLJANA - The majority of Slovenian hospitals will suspend all elective procedures as they move to increase the capacity of overflowing Covid-19 wards, it was agreed at a meeting featuring hospital directors and the Health Ministry, which came in the midst of a rapidly surging wave of infections. The number of beds for Covid patients at intensive care units will rise to 182 by tomorrow, and the number of non-ICU beds will rise from 479 to to 590. Robert Carotta, the national coordinator for Covid hospital wards, said that the number of patients has recently been growing at the fastest pace since the start of the pandemic.

Booster shot recommended after two months for viral vector vaccines

LJUBLJANA - The national advisory committee on immunisation proposed that, given the current epidemiological situation, those who have been vaccinated with viral vector vaccines receive a booster shot after at least two months since being fully immunised. The list of other groups for whom a booster shot is recommended has been extended. A booster shot was also recommended for family members of persons with a weak immune system and patients with chronic diseases who are particularly vulnerable, persons who are particularly exposed to the virus at work and those who have been vaccinated with viral vector vaccines.

Slovenian and Hungarian ministers discuss security topics

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin and his Hungarian counterpart Tibor Benko exchanged views on topical security issues, defence reforms and other topics of common interest as Benko visited Slovenia. Tonin said after the meeting that they had spent quite some time discussing modernisation of both armies. While Tonin noted Hungary was ahead of Slovenia in modernisation efforts, having launched them already in 2015, the pair still discussed cases of best practice, foremost in terms of increasing the troop numbers. The ministers agreed it would be good if the Slovenian and Hungarian defence industries find a way to strengthen cooperation in the modernisation efforts in both countries' armed forces, according to Tonin.

Slovenia to join Powering Past Coal Alliance at COP26

LJUBLJANA - The government decided that Slovenia will join the Powering Past Coal Alliance as part of the Energy Day at the COP26 conference in Glasgow on Thursday. "Slovenia supports the strengthening of the global climate ambition as the only way way to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, in accordance with the report of the IPCC on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius," the government said, adding that Slovenia would also sign the Statement on Public Support for the Clean Energy.

Janša attends launch of initiative to reduce methane emission

GLASGOW, UK - PM Janez Janša took part in the launch of an initiative to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, proposed by the US and EU, the prime minister's office said, noting that Slovenia was among the supporters of the initiative. As he concluded a two-day visit, Janša said that a lot of coordination had taken place between the EU and global partners on the sidelines of the climate conference, and that various open issues had been discussed. "There were also many opportunities for bilateral talks on Slovenia's cooperation with countries from other continents. It is nice to have friends everywhere," he tweeted.

Decline in unemployment stops as youth hit job market

LJUBLJANA - While official figures on registered unemployment in October are not due until Thursday, the head of the Employment Service, Mitja Bobnar, told the STA in an interview that the falling trend had stopped for the first time since February. The reason is not the expiry of subsidies for shorter working hours but first-time job seekers. Bobnar expects the situation in the labour market to remain favourable. He said the unemployment being at near record low in September was due to job retention measures.

Committee okays penal code changes on threats to senior officals

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Justice Committee okayed in a seven to five vote a bill changing the penal code to introduce prosecution of suspects who have threatened the country's senior officials or their relatives ex officio, without the injured party initiating proceedings. The bill, adopted by the government in early September, comes after such a solution was proposed in February as the justice and home affairs committees discussed mounting hostility in society. Nataša Sukič of the opposition Left announced that, if the National Assembly passed the bill, a constitutional review of its parts would follow.

Minister talks food industry cooperation in Dubai, highlights countryside digitalisation in Expo debate

DUBAI, UAE - Agriculture Minister Jože Podgoršek met Saif Mohammed Rashid Saeed al Shara, a high representative of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. The pair talked cooperation in agricultural and food products and the transfer of knowledge, especially in terms of cooperation of expert institutions. Podgoršek also took part on Monday in a debate discussing efforts to tackle global challenges related to smart villages, which was held as part of the Expo 2020. He discussed countryside digitalisation as one of the priorities of the new common agricultural policy, and linked efforts to improve the quality of life in rural areas to the efforts to preserve the cultural landscape and natural heritage.

STA, UKOM directors hold first meeting

LJUBLJANA - Igor Kadunc, the new acting director of the STA, and Uroš Urbanija, the director of the Government Communications Office (UKOM), held their first meeting, with the talks designed to discuss ways to resolve the stand-off regarding financing. The two sides exchanged views on the key dilemmas regarding the public service agreement and steps needed for public financing to resume, the STA management said in a press release. Kadunc acknowledged there were differences in interpretations and said solutions would be sought with the "inclusion of second opinions." Both sides expressed an interest in a timely solution that would be acceptable for all those involved, with the awareness that this is needed as soon as possible, the STA management said.

Ex-MEP Patricija Šulin dies

LJUBLJANA - The ruling Democratic Party (SDS) announced that their former MEP Patricija Šulin had died aged 55 after a severe illness. Šulin served as MEP (EPP) between 2014 and 2019 when she was a vice chair of the Committee on Budgets. Between 2012 and 2013, during the term of the second government of Janez Janša, she served as a substitute MP. She was a member of the parliamentary Finance and Monetary Policy Committee, Economy Committee and Health Committee.

Monument unveiled to Hungarian soldiers killed in WWI

NOVA GORICA - A monument to Hungarian soldiers killed in the Battles of the Isonzo was unveiled in a site above Nova Gorica, close to where some of the worst fighting of WWI took place. "I'm sure that concern for war graves is a permanent and important task of every modern and cultivated country. Attitude to the dead is a fundamental ethical issue," Slovenian Defence Minister Matej Tonin said. Hungarian Defence Minister Tibor Benko, who attended the ceremony, thanked Slovenia and the Nova Gorica municipality for nurturing permanent memory of the Hungarian soldiers who perished in the Battles of the Isonzo.

Slovenian architect to curate Timisoara European City of Culture

TIMISOARA, Romania - Architect Matevž Čelik, a former director of the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) in Ljubljana, was picked as one of the curators of the Romanian city of Timisoara's 2023 European Capital of Culture project. Čelik, 50, will be in charge of the Connections section, where his focus will go beyond architecture to explore relations between the city, architecture, design and society. Heading MAO between 2010 in 2020, Čelik transformed it from a city museum into a major institution in the field.

November Gourmet Ljubljana celebrates innovative dishes

LJUBLJANA - The November Gourmet Ljubljana culinary festival starts this week, bringing a series of events until the end of the month and presenting the very best that the Slovenian capital has to offer to foodies. The highlight of the first week will be the European Food Summit. Organised by the local tourism board, November Gourmet Ljubljana is a joint campaign of hospitality services providers, hotels, food producers, wine makers as well as public institutions that will feature various presentations, guided tours, gourmet-themed events, wine and beer tastings and workshops.

02 Nov 2021, 17:19 PM

Had a Viral Vector Vaccine? You May Soon Need a Booster Shot in Slovenia

STA, 2 November 2021 - The national advisory committee on immunisation has proposed that, given the current epidemiological situation, those who have been vaccinated with viral vector vaccines [such as Janssen / Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V or Convidecia] receive a booster shot after at least two months since being fully immunised. The list of other groups for whom a booster shot is recommended has been extended.

The committee at the National Institute of Public Health led by Bojana Beović decided at a meeting last Wednesday to recommend a booster shot for family members of persons with a weak immune system and patients with chronic diseases who are particularly vulnerable, persons who are particularly exposed to the virus at work and those who have been vaccinated with viral vector vaccines.

A booster shot for the latter is recommended at least two months after full vaccination, and it is still recommended for residents of care homes and other social care institutions, and patients with chronic disease of all ages.

Initially it was also recommended for all those older than 65, but now this was lowered to 50.

The group recommends the use of viral vector vaccines for people with a contraindication to mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.

02 Nov 2021, 17:13 PM

Elective Procedures Suspended as COVID Wards Fill Up

STA, 2 November 2021 - The majority of Slovenian hospitals will suspend all elective procedures as they move to increase the capacity of overflowing Covid-19 wards, it was agreed at a meeting Tuesday featuring hospital directors and the Health Ministry.

The number of beds for Covid patients at intensive care units will rise to 182 by tomorrow, and the number of non-ICU beds will rise from 479 to to 590.

There were 158 Covid patients in ICU wards this morning and 476 in regular Covid wards, meaning that the majority of hospitals are already over-capacity with Covid patients.

Robert Carotta, the national coordinator for Covid hospital wards, told the STA that the number of patients has recently been growing at the fastest pace since the start of the pandemic.

"If these trends continue, healthcare will not be able to cope any more and we're not far from that," Carotta said, noting that Slovenia was on the cusp of the "Bergamo scenario".

The maximum number of ICU beds Slovenia can currently provide for Covid patients is 192, which is slightly less than in the previous wave since there is a severe shortage of nursing staff at hospitals.

Overall, he thinks Slovenian hospitals can accommodate around 1,200 Covid patients in regular and ICU wards.

02 Nov 2021, 12:08 PM

COVID Task Force to Recommend Tighter Restrictions

STA, 2 November 2021 - A group of experts advising the government on Covid-19 will propose two scenarios to the government to address the rapidly deteriorating epidemiological situation in Slovenia, including a 10-day lockdown, the STA has learnt from a well-placed yet unofficial source.

Should the government not opt for the lockdown, the group proposes other restrictions - strict control of Covid passes, closure of hospitality establishments at 11pm, sports events without spectators, work from home for the public sector, and capping public assembly to a maximum 10 people who must meet the convalescent-vaccinated-tested (PCT) rule.

Should these measures not produce an improvement in the epidemiological situation in a week, the task force will still propose a full lockdown of ten days, while it would also like to increase availability of free-of-charge testing.

The task force met to discuss the measures and agreed on them yesterday. Its head Mateja Logar, a doctor at UKC Ljubljana's Infectious Diseases Clinic, told the STA on Tuesday that the group will meet the government today.

Robert Carotta, coordinator for Covid beds at hospitals, told the STA that hospital leaderships are meeting the health minister today as hospitalisations are rising.

Unofficial information obtained by the STA indicates that the current number of available Covid beds is fully occupied or that the capacities have been even exceeded.

According to the government, 634 Covid patients are in hospital, up 31 on yesterday, of whom 158 are in intensive care.

Health Ministry State Secretary Franc Vindišar announced last week that "rigorous measures will have to be taken" once 160-180 Covid beds in intensive care are full.

The government first introduced lockdown for several months when the epidemic broke out in March 2020, and again approximately a year ago, including for schools, while also opting for a much shorter lockdown around last Easter holidays.

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