Slovakia: Authorities extend ban on inbound commercial flights until May 14 /update 7

Event

The Serbian government's Crisis Management Team responsible for the nation's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has prolonged the current ban on commercial flights to Slovak airports until at least Thursday, May 14. The ban on civilian flights originally came into effect on Friday, March 13, and has been consistently extended in two-week increments upon the advice of the Crisis Management team and formally through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Ministry of Transport. Departure flights from Slovakia have not been officially prohibited and airports remain open for cargo flights and some repatriation flights for Slovakian citizens.

Authorities in Slovakia began easing restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, April 22, when small shops, sporting grounds, outdoor marketplaces, and restaurants providing takeaway services were allowed to reopen. A second phase of loosening of restrictions is to begin on Wednesday, May 6, which will include opening hairdressers and taxi services. Religious services and weddings with a limited number of guests will also be permitted. Prime Minister Igor Matovic said on Saturday, May 2, that he will discuss on Monday, May 4, with health advisors whether to allow all shops apart from those in shopping malls to reopen as part of the second phase.

Slovakia has been largely praised for introducing restriction measures promptly, resulting in one of the lowest death rates from the virus in Europe. As of Monday, May 4, there have been 1,413 confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded nationwide, with 25 associated deaths.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.