Slovakia: Nationwide curfew extended to November 14 /update 18

Event

The Slovak government has announced that curfew restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended until Saturday, November 14, after which they are expected to come to an end. Under these restrictions, those who have not taken part in the nationwide testing program must remain in self-isolation unless they are undertaking travel between 01:00-05:00 (local time) or traveling to buy food, visit a pharmacist, or buying essential items. They may also travel to care for vulnerable relatives or close friends or to attend events such as weddings, funerals, and christenings. Movement is 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.

On October 13, public gatherings were limited to a maximum of six people. Face masks remain mandatory in all built-up areas, public indoor spaces and public transport. Restaurants, cafes, and bars may only operate take away services. 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. People that violate these restrictions may be fined. The Slovak government previously declared a state of emergency for 45 days starting October 1, due to an increase in cases of COVID-19. The emergency allows the government more powers to implement stricter measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Limited international commercial flights have resumed, however, passengers arriving in the country from destinations that are not on the list for unrestricted entry are required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR or serology test result taken within the past 72 hours prior to arrival or undergo 14 days of self-isolation.

As of Tuesday, November 10, authorities have confirmed 76,072 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 366 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.