The Government has been discussing an amendment at a special session on Monday that will allow sending to people coming from a 'red', risky country an SMS message, containing a notice of the obligation to contact the Public Health Office. Disobedience should be punished with a high fine of 5,000 euro. The amendment was to be submitted to Parliament in fast-tracked proceedings. On Thursday, Prime Minister Igor Matovic pointed to the latest 53 people tested positive that this "isn't a positive number". Therefore, he decided to convene a consilium of experts, where he wanted to find out about the latest situation. The consilium of epidemiologists also discussed new recommendations related to the novel coronavirus on Monday. "The only weapon we have in our hands is the responsibility of all of us," said Matovic, adding that it helped Slovakia win the first wave. Matovic "firmly believes" that Slovakia will be able to prevent a second wave.
Regarding the planned holidays, Slovakia's Chief Hygienist Jan Mikas noted that "it's important for people to realise that they must protect themselves". In this context, Health Minister Marek Krajci (OLaNO) highlighted the quality work of epidemiologists. He also warned that patients should undergo a triage before entering hospital. "It's important that our hospitals don't forget that a triage needs to be carried out," he said, adding that thanks to this measure, a suspected patient with possible COVID-19 disease should not appear in hospital. He also recommends that patients be tested for the novel coronavirus before surgery; according to him the test will be paid for from EU funds.
Slovakia reported 1 new coronavirus case on Sunday, 8 on Saturday and 23 on Friday. The team of experts meeting on Monday may decide on tightening some pandemic measures.
Source: TASR, SITA
