Janez Poklukar

Vintgar Gorge, a popular sight near the alpine resort of Bled, has become the first Slovenian natural beauty spot to get a formal visitor capacity limit as more are likely to follow suit.

The gorge has been open to visitors for 130 years and is one of the most popular sights in the country. But increasing visitor numbers pose an increasing challenge, prompting adjustment measures.

Ljubljana – The management of the UKC Ljubljana medical centre no longer enjoys the support of the Health Ministry, Minister Danijel Bešič Loredan told the press on Tuesday. He said Jože Golobič, director general of Slovenia’s main hospital, should resign immediately and take responsibility for poor business results and numerous missed deadlines.

Brussels/Ljubljana – Ten EU member states, including Slovenia, have called on the European Commission to amend contracts for the supply of Covid vaccines to reduce the number of doses ordered. They warn about the issue of vaccine surpluses and the need for a better management of public funds.

Ljubljana – As the advisory task force for Covid-19 will again discuss on Monday mandatory wearing of protective masks in enclosed spaces, Health Minister Janez Poklukar announced the possibility of the mandate being lifted this week, with the exception of healthcare institutions and care homes.

Ljubljana – Due to growing needs for space and a rise in cancer cases in Slovenia, the Oncology Institute in Ljubljana plans to expand its buildings with the support of the Health Ministry. The value of two expansion projects has been estimated at EUR 13-19 million.

Ljubljana – Covid pass will no longer be required in Slovenia as of Monday, except in healthcare and social care institutions, and in prisons, Health Minister Janez Poklukar told the press after today’s correspondence session of the government. Students at schools will no longer need to self test either.

Ljubljana – Nurses, staff at social care institutions and pharmacies went on strike this morning after yesterday’s negotiations brought no meaningful progress, neither a pay increase similar to a recently agreed one for doctors and dentists. Public broadcaster RTV Slovenija has reported that 50,000 staff would be on strike today.

Ljubljana – Health experts outlined a gradual easing of measures against the Covid-19 epidemic at a consultation with the government on Tuesday, proposing the abolition of the Covid pass for shops, banks, post offices and administrative units, and the abolition of quarantines in case of high-risk contacts.

Postojna/Cerknica – The government will consult with health experts on Tuesday on when and how to adjust coronavirus restrictions now that the Omicron-driven wave has peaked and the epidemiological curve is rapidly declining.

Ljubljana – The number of new coronavirus cases was still up in weekly comparison on Sunday, as 8,575 new infections were detected, which compares to almost 8,400 a week ago. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now almost 172,400 active cases in the country. Currently, 172,380 cases are considered active, which is 3,640 more than the day before.