Our paywall policy:
The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope.
After the success of the pilot testing that took place in the Orava region and the Bardejov district on October 23-25, the central crisis staff decided on holding the nationwide testing the following weekend.
Those who don't attend testing should stay in isolation Read moreUnlike the original plans, it will only take place on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
“I believe that we are about to take action that will be written about not just here but around the world,” said Health Minister Marek Krajčí (OĽaNO).
He also hopes the testing and subsequent placing of positive people into isolation will help reverse the current trend where we are seeing a record-high daily increases in new cases.
“This must break the curve,” Krajčí said. “Any other solution would be much more drastic and much more expensive for our economy.”
Similarly to the pilot project, the nationwide testing will be secured and organised by the army.
Most Slovaks plan to participate in the nationwide testing Read moreEvery sampling site should absorb about 35 people per hour, said Chief of the General Staff Daniel Zmeko.
Moreover, Slovakia is also in talks with other countries who could provide material or personnel if needed, said Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď. But the priority is to manage the project on our own, he added.
More details on the testing should be presented on October 27.
It is still not clear whether the second nationwide testing will take place, Naď said, adding that the final decision will be made after this weekend.
Read more about the coronavirus outbreak in Slovakia:
- Do I have the coronavirus? How to proceed if you have a suspicion
- Coronavirus in Slovakia: statistics
- How to travel to and from Slovakia during COVID-19
- The list of low-risk countries and risky regions
- More information about what the coronavirus is and how to protect yourself from the infection (WHO)
- Q&A: State of emergency declared about coronavirus+