Curfew will be prolonged. Negative test result will be required for work or trips to nature (FAQ)

Here are some of the answers to questions about the ongoing mass testing.

Illustrative stock photoIllustrative stock photo (Source: TASR)

Slovakia is undergoing another round of mass antigen testing. Unlike last autumn, it will be stretched over nine days, so people will not be required to wait in long queues in front of the testing sites.

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A negative test result will be required after January 27 from people travelling to work or planning a trip to nature. At the same time, the cabinet prolonged the curfew until February 7.

The Slovak Spectator put together the answers to some questions that may arise in connection with the new rules.

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Q: When will the mass testing take place?

A: The mass testing takes place from Monday, January 18 until Tuesday, January 26. Another round will take place only in 37 districts with a higher share of positive tests (the cities of Bratislava and Košice will be considered one district for this purpose), which will be specified after the first round is over.

Q: Where can I get tested?

A: You can get tested at mobile testing sites opened across the country. Many require people to book the test in advance; you can find the form here. Both rapid and PCR tests will be accepted, so one can also get tested at sites providing PCR tests (but these are paid).

The list of mobile testing sites providing free rapid tests is published on the website of the Health Ministry (in Slovak only).

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Several municipalities plan to open testing sites during the weekend where people will be able to get tested without booking an appointment.

Some employers will test people on a voluntary basis. The Finance Ministry is expected to allocate money for the firms that will take part, and they will also receive the antigen tests from the state.

Q: Who will need negative test results?

A: The cabinet prolonged the curfew (applied between 5:00 am and 1:00 am the next day) until February 7.

Starting on January 27, negative test result will be necessary for people travelling to and from work, if home office is not an option, and those who want to go out into nature (including when doing sports). It will also be required when going to a bank, insurance company, post office, dispensing points, bike and car repair shops, petrol stations, opticians and newsagents.

Only people aged 15-65 years will be required to show the negative test result.

Related article Leaving home will be nearly impossible without a negative test Read more 

Between February 3 and 7, the negative test result will be required only from those who attend the second round of the testing.

Tests carried out abroad and certified by the EU will be accepted, too.

The test will also be required from people travelling abroad.

If the schools open during this term, parents accompanying their children will need a negative test result, too.

Q: Are there any exceptions from testing?
A: The chief hygienist issued following exceptions to testing on January 21:

  • cancer patients;
  • people with a serious autistic spectrum disorder or weaker immunity;
  • people who are on sick leave at the time of testing;
  • children younger than 10;
  • people who have recovered from COVID-19;
  • vaccinated people (if they received the second jab more than 14 days ago);
  • pupils of zero-fourth grade of primary schools;
  • pupils of special primary schools.

Q: How can I prove my negative test result?

A: People who were tested just after January 18 received a text message and email confirming their test result. If negative, they should print out the email confirmation and show it to police officers if asked. People who plan to get tested should print out the form published on the Health Ministry's website (Potvrdenie o vykonaní testu) and have it signed and certified at the testing site.

As a last resort, a text message can be used to confirm a negative test result.

Q: What am I allowed to do without the negative test result?

A: A negative test result will not be required if you are:

  • going to the closest grocery store, chemist, pharmacy, or pet store;
  • going to the doctor or medical facility;
  • going to get tested;
  • going to a funeral, wedding ceremony, christening;
  • taking care of a relative;
  • walking pets within 1,000 metres from your home and taking care of animals.

Q: I have recovered from the coronavirus. Do I need to take part in the testing?

A: No. However, you need to prove you were diagnosed with COVID-19 between November 1, 2020 and January 17, 2021. The confirmation of the positive test result that you have received from the lab by e-mail will be accepted. A confirmation from your doctor is no longer required.

Q: I live in a more infected district. What changes for me after February 3?

A: People living in a more infected district will need the negative result when travelling to and from work, if home office is not an option, and going out into nature (including when doing sports).

It will also be required from parents accompanying their children to schools (if open) and people travelling abroad, as well as when going to a bank, insurance company, post office, dispensing points, bike and car repair shops, petrol stations, opticians and newsagents.

Q: I live in a less infected district. What happens after February 3?

A: Curfew will still be applied with exceptions (like going to work, into nature, to shops, doctors etc.), but no test will be required.

Q: What happens after February 7? Will any of the lockdown measures be released?

A: The cabinet expects that it can fully launch its COVID automat alert system, adopted last December. Districts will follow the rules and restrictions based on the zone they are currently in.

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