Slovakia: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related nationwide curfew until Feb. 7 /update 23

Slovakia extends coronavirus disease-related curfew, until Feb. 7. Significant business and transport disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Slovakia have extended the nationwide curfew imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Feb. 7 amid consistently high levels of transmission. A daily 20-hour 0500-0100 curfew during which time residents may only leave their home to perform essential tasks will remain in place until that date. In addition, starting Jan. 27 all persons needing to leave their homes to engage in essential work will need to provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test; free nationwide mass testing will take place Jan. 18-26. The following domestic measures also remain in effect:

Nonessential businesses and facilities are closed; businesses that are permitted to open must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars may only offer takeaway services.
Facemasks are mandatory in all nonrural public spaces.

Slovakia is also maintaining international entry restrictions. Individuals arriving from EU countries, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland 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 COVID-19 test that returns a negative result, 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 for at least five days, after which a COVID-19 test may be taken; those testing positive are required to self-isolate until they have recovered. Individuals arriving from countries designated as low risk may enter without restriction including Australia, China, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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.