Extensive traffic jams formed on the D2 highway in Bratislava on Wednesday when protesters blocked the border crossing to Hungary. Dozens of people blocked the Slovak-Hungarian Čunovo-Rajka border crossing on Wednesday evening to protest against new rules governing entrance to Slovakia related to the the novel coronavirus threat. As of July 19, travellers who have received only one COVID-19 shot have to go into quarantine upon entering the country. However, they can have themselves tested as early as on the first day of isolation and leave it if the result is negative. Only fully vaccinated travellers can freely enter the territory of Slovakia following their registration with the eHranica online form. Cross-border commuters and children aged 12-18 will follow temporary rules until mid-August.
"People who want to commute across borders must observe the anti-coronavirus rules in place at crossing points," stated the Interior Minister Roman Mikulec on Wednesday, adding that if they dislike the fact that they aren't considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 after receiving only one shot, they should appeal to the Constitutional Court. According to the minister, it makes no sense for cross-border commuters to block crossing points, as this makes life bitter for everyone who wants to travel and creates unnecessary tension. "It won't help them in any way whatsoever; such a form of discussion isn't constructive," said the minister.
On Wednesday afternoon the protesters on the border crossing joined hands to form a human chain and chanted "shame" and "we won't get tested!" They intend to express their unhappiness with measures affecting particularly those commuting through the border regularly. "The measures put people from border regions at a significant disadvantage, despite the fact that they live in an area with an epidemiological situation not worse than that seen in Slovakia," they claimed. Several opposition parties have voiced their support for the protests, with some opposition politicians even attending them in person.
