Analysts: Updated model hints that measures work

The peak of the new coronavirus epidemic in Slovakia is expected in 110 days (in July), according to an updated model that Health Ministry's analysts released on Tuesday. About 1,030 people will be needing mechanical lung ventilators at that time and about 7,000 people will have been hospitalized with more severe symptoms of COVID-19. The model that takes into account the newly introduced measures such as the mandatory wearing of face masks in public and keeping distance in shops has a more optimistic outcome as to the total number of people who will be infected with coronavirus - only3.1% of the population as compared to the previous estimate of 10% from two weeks ago. Martin Smatana, the head of the team of analysts working on the model, says that so far Slovakia has been managing the epidemic well. "The measures taken to stop the spread of the coronavirus appear to be effective. If Slovakia is able to comply with them for a longer period of time, it could rank among the five countries in the world that best managed the new coronavirus pandemic," said Smatana, adding that the model will be continuously updated.