The epidemiological situation in Slovakia is deteriorating. According to the Public Health Office, the higher daily number of confirmed cases is the result of a similar developments in surrounding countries.
According to Prime Minister Igor Matovič, the Government has not neglected preparations for the second wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak and Slovakia has the situation under control. "We have sufficient measures in Slovakia, but only two thirds of people respect them and one third ignores them," said Matovič after Government's Wednesday session. Matovič wants the epidemiologists to adopt such measures that he will be able to explain to people.
President Zuzana Čaputová, who met a team of epidemiologists on Wednesday, said that she has been concerned with what she called a deteriorating situation concerning the virus in Slovakia. She called for a boost in communication by the state and its bodies, while the public should observe the recommendations and measures introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus. She highlighted the use of face masks, adding that she has been "disturbed by the opinions of various people who spread misinformation without respect and, of course, responsibility". As for communication, also Čaputová said that state anti-coronavirus measures should be easy to grasp and foresee.
Economy Minister Richard Sulík on Wednesday rejected considerations about a possible shutdown of the Slovak economy in connection with the second wave of the outbreak. According to the minister, the disease is spreading mainly from abroad, and therefore Slovakia should protect itself using border measures. After the Cabinet's session on Wednesday, the Health Minister Marek Krajči stated that the pandemic commission, which is to meet on Friday, might add Austria and Hungary to Slovakia's list of high-risk countries.
Meanwhile, the Slovak Government plans to buy 500,000 antigen tests. The Cabinet also approved a proposal to adjust the material composition of emergency stockpiles and increase them.
