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The head of government talks about an experiment: a large number of Slovaks will be tested this weekend and next. The campaign is controversial: those who don’t participate are at a disadvantage.
Slovakia has begun mass testing a large part of its population for the coronavirus. This weekend and next weekend, around 45,000 medical professionals, soldiers and police officers will be on hand at some 5,000 testing centers to subject all citizens aged 10 and over to free rapid tests.
Long lines had formed in front of the centers since early in the morning. According to the city administration, waiting times of one to three hours should be expected in the capital, Bratislava.
Personal foul
Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Health, nearly ten percent of the test sites across the country were unable to open in the morning. Among other things, there is a lack of medical personnel, although there is a bonus payment of 500 euros for use.
Conservative Prime Minister Igor Matovic, who has been in power since March, spoke of an experiment that other countries are closely following. The massive tests could be an alternative to the blockade: “We have a great opportunity to show Europe and the world that there is another way, without the economy shutting down and without millions of unemployed.” He called on all citizens between the ages of 10 and 65 to take part in the action.
Without a negative test result, there are consequences
The government’s approach is not without controversy: antigen tests are used, which give a result in a few minutes, but are considered less reliable than PCR laboratory tests. Participation is officially voluntary. But only those that can show a negative result are exempt from the exit restrictions. Everyone else runs the risk of a hefty fine at a police checkpoint. Anyone who tests positive should be immediately quarantined for ten days.
Slovak Liberal President Zuzana Caputova warned in advance that citizens should not be divided into two classes: those who have a “freedom pass” and those who have not had their turn.
New records of infections and curfews
Slovakia, with a population of around 5.4 million, is the first country of its size to test its entire population. In Europe, only smaller countries like Luxembourg and Monaco have announced nationwide testing. In China, residents of entire cities have already been screened.
Slovakia had survived the first corona wave well, but since September, as in almost all parts of Europe, the number of infections has risen again. A new record with 3,363 new infections was reported on Friday. In total, more than 55,000 infections and more than 200 deaths have been recorded in the Eastern European country.
The night curfew and other restrictions have been in place since last weekend. People can only leave home to go to work, visit the doctor, do the shopping, take a walk in nature and in some other exceptional cases.
