In Slovakia, the decision to no longer provide daily Covid-19 numbers has drawn some criticism. They are reported weekly, instead. (source: Melissa Phillip)
Slovakia no longer tracks new cases of Covid-19 every day, as it did in the past two years during the pandemic. It does not mean that the coronavirus has disappeared.
The number of coronavirus cases is increasing. However, during the ongoing flu season, this is considered a natural occurrence. Compared to last year, the numbers of infected and hospitalised individuals are much lower, the Sme daily writes.The number of coronavirus cases is increasing. However, during the ongoing flu season, this is considered a natural occurrence. Compared to last year, the numbers of infected and hospitalised individuals are much lower, the Sme daily writes.
As of November 21, according to National Health Information Centre data, 427 people tested positive for Covid-19 and 221 people are in hospitals due to the coronavirus.
Currently, the XBB 1.5-like + F456L subvariant of the Omicron variant is most prevalent in the population, appearing in more than 40 percent of tested samples. Daša Račková, spokesperson for the Public Health Office, the Omicron subvariants most present among people in Slovakia do not cause a serious worsening of the epidemiological situation.
“People who are not of advanced age or don't currently have weakened immunity may not even notice that there is an epidemic underway,” said infectious disease doctor Peter Sabaka, from the Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine in the Kramare neighbourhood, Bratislava.
Unnecessary bureaucracy
In Slovakia, the decision to no longer provide daily Covid-19 numbers has drawn some criticism. They are reported weekly, instead.
Analyst Ivan Bošnák criticised the absence of data last week on television.
“The statistics in Slovakia look dismal. Not because the situation is bad, but because the data doesn’t exist,” he opined.
Moreover, mathematician Richard Kollár emphasised the potential unreliability of such information globally.
“I’m afraid that this data really doesn’t exist. However, I think it's not reliable in other countries either.”
The National Health Information Centre defended its move regarding coronavirus updates, stating that weekly reporting is sufficient for respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, and that daily updates would unnecessarily burden healthcare personnel.
Despite differing opinions, both analysts and health experts agree that Covid-19 is not confined to regional boundaries, and any changes in the epidemiological situation will be addressed based on expert recommendations. For now, there is no perceived need for nationwide measures.
Where to get vaccinated
Vaccination remains an effective means of protection against Covid-19. In Slovakia, there are currently 202,560 doses of the Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine available, of which more than 21,000 doses have been administered according to the Health Ministry.
Vaccination is especially recommended for at-risk groups and can be done at vaccination centres and hospitals without prior registration.
If a person tests positive, antivirals can be of help. The best known is Paxlovid. A general practitioner can prescribe it to the patient.
