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Although it is unclear when the first vaccines against the coronavirus might arrive in Slovakia, the duty of wearing masks in interior spaces or while in crowds will depend on the vaccination rate of the population, the Sme daily reported.
It is already probable that people in Slovakia will have to wear masks for the rest of 2020, and probably in 2021 too. Moreover, epidemiologists predict they will be necessary to protect one’s respiratory system later on.
“Only when there is a vaccine and people are vaccinated can we take off the masks,” said Health Minister Marek Krajčí (OĽaNO), as quoted by Sme.
People in Slovakia baulk at coronavirus vaccine as crisis wanes Read more Even though the vaccination against the coronavirus is still being tested and neither its price nor the time when it may be distributed is clear right now, Krajčí plans to order at least three million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Sme wrote.
To prevent the spread of the disease, at least two-thirds of people (or 60-70 percent) will have to be vaccinated, epidemiologists say. However, the May survey carried out by the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) showed that only 41 percent of respondents would get vaccinated.
Moreover, Krajčí rejects the idea of introducing a mandatory vaccination against the coronavirus. He wants to persuade people with a campaign promoting the benefits of the vaccine, Sme wrote.
Read more about the coronavirus outbreak in Slovakia:
- These are the measures currently in place in Slovakia
- How Slovakia prepared for the coronavirus
- Do I have the coronavirus? How to proceed if you have a suspicion
- More information about what the coronavirus is and how to protect yourself from the infection (WHO)
- Situation update on EU/EEA and the UK as of March 6 morning
- Q&A: State of emergency declared about coronavirus+
