News roundup - Thursday, 26 August, until 3pm
Ljubljana, 26 August - Below is a roundup of major events on Thursday, 26 August, until 3pm local time:
Fourth Covid-19 wave escalating
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 509 coronavirus infections for Wednesday as the test positivity rate stood at 17.4%. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population rose from 187 to 199, meaning Slovenia is on the brink of entering the red phase. Hospitalisations topped 100 for the first time since mid-June, standing at 105 this morning. ICU cases totalled 18, show fresh official figures. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are currently 4,275 active cases in the country.
Social partners ready to restore dialogue
LJUBLJANA - All social partners attending a meeting hosted by President Borut Pahor are ready to restore dialogue on the Economic and Social Council (ESS), Pahor said after the talks. An agreement on restoring the dialogue will be prepared by a spacial negotiating group. According to the president, the task force, consisting of representatives of the government, employers and employees, will draw up the agreement, which will contain demands regarding future work on the ESS.
Acclaimed Slovenian writer Boris Pahor celebrates 108th birthday
LJUBLJANA - Boris Pahor, the internationally famous Slovenian writer from Trieste, celebrates his 108th birthday. Throughout his life, Pahor has warned against totalitarian regimes, also in his novel Necropolis, where he describes his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. He has also received numerous honours and awards. On the occasion of his birthday, 26 colleagues paid tribute to him with a publication entitled Boris Pahor - Scrittore senza frontiere. Studi, interviste e testimonianze (Boris Pahor - A Writer without Frontiers. Studies, Interviews and Testimonies).
Nights in Old Ljubljana Town music festival kicks off
LJUBLJANA - Nights in Old Ljubljana Town, a traditional end-of-summer festival organised by the Imago Sloveniae Foundation, will begin tonight in Ljubljana's historical centre despite Covid-19. It will open with the Marko Hatlak Band while featuring a total of 19 events at five venues and over 100 artists from six countries until Saturday. The 33rd edition of the festival will combine traditional and modern sounds, intertwining progressive world music and jazz.