Some coronavirus restrictions in major parts of Slovenia will be relaxed in the coming days, the government announced on Wednesday evening, after case rates seem to show signs of improving over the past several weeks. This will include re-opening of kindergartens and in-person classes at elementary schools for youngest children aged 8-10, after a three-month hiatus.

Over a seven-day period, the number of confirmed cases as well as the number of hospitalised Covid patients have shown a steady decline, which the government said met the criteria to relax some restrictions on daily life.

On Wednesday Prime Minister Janez Jansa said that although the pandemic situation in the country was ‘still serious’ the latest numbers allow for some easing of restrictions, including re-opening of some businesses. This will refer to nine out of Slovenia’s 12 regions.

The government approved ski resorts – an important source of revenue and recreation in the tiny Alpine nation – to re-open, as well as in-person classes to re-launch next week for children in grades one to three. Kindergartens will also start working again.

On Thursday, health authorities reported 1,445 new cases of Covid-19. There are currently 19,636 active cases in the 2 million nation. A total of 1,178 Covid patients are in hospital care, including 179 in intensive care.