Strict measures aimed at restricting people's mobility, along with targeted testing for the disease, are the way to resolve the current situation surrounding the pandemic, according to Slovak scientists and experts associated with the "Science Is Helpful in COVID-19 Matters" initiative. At a briefing on Monday, they pointed to the fact that the upcoming Christmas season represents an immense opportunity for the virus to spread. In their opinion, more than 5,000 new patients could be hospitalised with the disease by the end of December.
"If strict measures aren't introduced before Christmas, the situation will probably get worse and tighter measures will be imposed during the holiday season. There's no magic or good solution that can save us now. We can only choose a combination of harsh solutions," stated virologist Silvia Pastoreková, adding that if no significant measures are adopted, there'll be thousands of new infection cases of which many will be severe and lethal.
Scientists recommended that people take care of Christmas shopping at least seven days before they meet with their relatives, and that they should avoid meetings and reunions that aren't necessary. They also suggested that people should avoid long queues and large masses of people when shopping for presents. The same applies to indoor celebrations on New Year's Eve.
