Slovakia: Authorities extend national state of emergency until December 29 /update 19

Event

The Slovak government has extended the country's state of emergency on Wednesday, November 11, until December 29 due to an increase in cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Initially announced on October 1, the emergency allows the government additional power to implement stricter measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

A nationwide curfew is still in effect until Saturday, November 14; those who have not taken part in the countrywide testing program are required to remain in self-isolation during this period. Exemptions include individuals with a negative PCR and COVID test, or those undertaking travel between 01:00-05:00 (local time), or buying essential items, or visiting a pharmacy. Movements are also restricted between green districts, where no further government testing will take place, and red districts where a second round of testing will take place. Those traveling from green districts into red districts will be required to acquire a second test certificate.

Across the country, measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 remain imposed. Indoor dining at cafes, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments is prohibited; restaurants and cafes may permit take away services or serve on outdoor terraces. All bars, restaurants, and clubs are required to close by 22:00. Shops are operating at a reduced customer capacity and have temperature checks in place. Reserved shopping hours are in place between 09:00 and 11:00 for customers over 65 years old. Public places including gyms, cinemas, theaters, and galleries are closed. A ban on gatherings of more than six people remains and outdoor gatherings are prohibited, including all family, sports, cultural, and religious events. Exceptions to the mandate include weddings, baptisms, and funerals, as well as for players of sporting competitions providing that all involved test negative for COVID-19 in the preceding 12 hours. Face masks remain mandatory in all built-up areas, public indoor spaces, and public transport.

As of November 11, there have been 618,813 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 8805 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.