Government regulations bring about collapse in traffic

Due to a government regulation restricting movements, traffic at the border of Bratislava collapsed on Wednesday morning. "There are both entry and exit police controls on the border of the district. Traffic jams are on all access roads, in both directions. We recommend cancelling any trip to and from Bratislava," stated the Bratislava Self-Governing Region on their website.

Meanwhile, Slovak police have asked all people for understanding and patience at this time, calling on them not to travel between districts unless necessary. "We ask you to be patient with the policemen performing identity checks. They are only doing their jobs," states the Slovak police on their social media page.
Police officers together with soldiers are to inspect all vehicles that cross the borders of individual districts of the Slovak Republic, on motorways as well as roads. If drivers cross several districts, they will have to undergo checks repeatedly, resulting in considerable delays on the roads.

The police will also check people moving in public areas within the districts in order to identify those who have come from another district, and it is imperative that anyone who leaves their home has their ID with them. According to police, people will be subject to a penalty of up to €1,659 if found to be violating the state restriction on movement.

The free movement of people is restricted in Slovakia from April 8th to April 13th (23:59) as part of measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus. Exceptions are commuting to and from work, visiting a doctor, shopping for food and toiletries, visiting nature areas within the district, walking pets, the funeral of a relative, and caring for a relative or helping a neighbour.

More information on the temporary restriction of free movement can be found in this article.