The government has been warning about large gatherings exacerbating risk of spreading the novel coronavirus for weeks, said government spokesman Jelko Kacin, adding that certain organisers of major parties had not been able to list even 10% of those who attended the event.

Assemblies of up to 50 people will be thus green-lit only for the organiser who will keep a record of all the participants, featuring their names, addresses and phone numbers. The organiser would have to keep the list for a month and then destroy it.

Kacin highlighted that the same information was requested of Slovenians when crossing the border with Croatia.

The government seeks to facilitate contact tracing for the Public Health National Institute (NIJZ), which is operating close to its limits, said Kacin.

The restriction will apply to private events as well, including weddings.

Changes to the ban on gatherings do not apply however to the number of people in restaurants and pubs or on buses. Church masses are allowed.

Moreover, sports events including up to 500 participants continue to be green-lit if the NIJZ gives a go-ahead. Stewards should be there to supervise implementation of precaution measures though, pointed out Kacin. If a concert organiser can provide for the same conditions, such events are allowed as well.

The government is considering restricting opening hours of eating and drinking establishments since certain such venues made headlines recently by turning into night clubs at night, said the spokesman, adding that ramped up inspection would be imposed.

Big private parties or gatherings are the main cause for concern, he added.

In the works are also changes to the Health Ministry's decree, which determines Covid-19-risky areas. Presumably, health institutions, including hospitals, will be added to care homes and prisons.