Slovakia: Restrictive COVID-19 measures maintained as of Dec. 7. /update 19

Slovakia maintaining COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of Dec. 7; significant domestic disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Slovakia are maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 7 as part of measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Individuals arriving from EU countries designated as high risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must register with authorities and self-isolate for 10-days or until they take a negative COVID-19 test, though this can be avoided by providing a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours; these restrictions do not apply to citizens of neighboring countries commuting for work. Individuals arriving from non-EU high-risk countries must register with authorities and self-isolate until they take a negative COVID-19 test. The test must not be taken until the fifth day after arrival; those testing positive are required to self-isolate until they have recovered. Individuals arriving from EU countries designated as low risk may enter without restriction; as of Dec. 7, the only countries with this designation are Australia, China, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

A state of emergency is currently in effect until at least Dec. 29; associated restrictions include:

Public gatherings are limited to six people.
Protective facemasks are mandatory in all indoor public places, including mass transport, as well as outdoor public places where social distancing is not possible.
Swimming pools, fitness centers, and cultural performance venues, including cinemas and theaters, remain closed.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.