Ljubljana - Bars and restaurants in the Primorsko-Notranjska region could start serving customers outdoors from Monday, having been promoted to tier yellow to join Posavje and South-East Slovenia. Stores in Obalno-Kraška are meanwhile allowed to reopen provided staff get tested weekly as the coastal region has moved to tier orange.

The government adopted these decisions last week when the epidemiological situations in the Primorsko-Notranjska and Obalno-Kraška regions showed signs of improvement.

Outdoor serving in the three yellow-coded regions is permitted between 6am and 7pm. Prevention measures must be observed, including mask-wearing and weekly testing among staff and maintaining distance between tables. The exemptions from the mandatory testing are those who have recovered from Covid-19 or those who have been vaccinated.

A maximum number of patrons sitting at the same table is four. A customer may enter the establishment only to go to the restroom.

The entire country is meanwhile firmly planted in the orange tier. The coastal region has been upgraded to this level of measures, meaning inter-regional travel restrictions have been lifted.

From today, stores and repair shops under 400 square metres, real estate agencies, hair salons, beauticians, pet salons and expert training activities of up to ten persons in the region are allowed to conduct business as long as staff produce a negative test.

Pharmacies, gas stations, post offices, delivery services, automobile and bike repair shops and construction services may remain open regardless of staff testing.

Moreover, rallies of up to ten people are allowed across the country. The same goes for religious services.

The decree is effective until 26 March. The government will discuss the potential extension on Wednesday when it is expected to conduct its weekly review of the epidemiological situation and restrictions.