Only organised visits to flood-affected areas on Solidarity Day

On the upcoming date of August 14, 2023, designated as Solidarity Day, every essential aspect of the nation's critical infrastructure is set to be fully functional. This comprehensive coverage encompasses crucial sectors such as energy, transportation, food production, potable water distribution, healthcare services, financial systems, environmental conservation, and information and communication networks.      

                                                                                                                                           In accordance with the special decree, as communicated by Petra Bezjak Cirman, Director of the Government Communication Office, various entities will continue their operations without disruption. Public health institutions, concessionaires within these institutions, social work centers, veterinary clinics, and insurance companies are among those listed to function normally.

The following day, on August 14, administrative units are scheduled to remain open, providing a means for individuals who have encountered document loss due to recent floods to swiftly request replacements. To facilitate prompt document delivery, Pošta Slovenije, in collaboration with Cetis, the manufacturer, will gather these documents and ensure their distribution to recipients by August 16, 2023. Retail establishments offering groceries, technical products, and infant necessities might also operate, although the decision to open lies with individual traders.

Petra Bezjak Cirman emphasized the entitlement of employees working on Solidarity Day to an additional allowance for working during less favorable hours, such as holidays and other non-working days. This allowance corresponds to 120% of their regular salary for those in the public sector. Employees not engaged in work due to the public holiday are eligible for compensation equal to 100% of their usual salary.

Highlighting recent instances of solidarity and rapid response among the Slovenian population, Cirman urged further support through financial contributions. The government introduced a special transaction account within the national budget to collect funds exclusively for flood relief. Business entities, both legal and natural, engaging in monetary donations will be able to claim supplementary tax relief for the entirety of the donated sum. This tax relief provision applies to all contributions made by December 31, 2023.

Srečko Šestan, the Civil Protection Commander, expressed profound gratitude towards all citizens offering assistance to those affected by the floods. He specifically appreciated adherence to regulations governing access to restricted areas.

Šestan encouraged volunteers entering the field on the upcoming day to register via the operational Poplave 2023 app, developed by the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.

Advising proper equipment and attire, Šestan emphasized the necessity of protective clothing, robust footwear, gloves, masks, and disinfectants due to existing infectious agents in the flood-impacted zones. Volunteers were also reminded to carry their own sustenance, like a sandwich and water, to alleviate the burden on local communities.

Concluding, Srečko Šestan reiterated the significance of organized assistance and expressed gratitude for all contributions.