Starting this Saturday, Slovakia will introduce a curfew due to the spread of the coronavirus. There will be several exceptions, such as for those traveling to work, but most stores will also be closed. In general, traveling will not be restricted, but only two households will be allowed to gather over the holiday season.
The government approved the tightening of the measures after the number of new COVID-19 cases started to rise in recent weeks. On Tuesday, the country, which has a population of 5 million, had its highest daily increase of almost 8,000 new cases.
“The virus is spreading uncontrollably. The situation is as serious as ever. All stores will be closed, except those that are necessary to ensure basic needs,” said Slovak Health Minister Marek Krajčí.
The curfew will not apply, for example, to those going to medical facilities, pharmacies, coronavirus test centers, post offices and package pick-up points, or banks.
People will also be allowed to do outdoor activities and individual sports, including skiing, and can arrange weddings, christenings, and funerals. The country will keep its ban on mass events and gatherings.
So far, the new measures will apply until Dec. 29. However, in connection with the planned amendment to the law regarding the extension of the state of emergency, the government assumes that the approved restrictions will remain until Jan. 10 next year.
Slovakia also imposed significant restrictions on free movement at the end of October and the beginning of November due to the country’s comprehensive coronavirus testing.
Title image: Slovakia’s Prime Minister Igor Matovic reflected is in glass as he leaves at the end of an EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. European Union leaders reached a hard-fought deal to cut the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by the end of the decade compared with 1990 levels, avoiding a hugely embarrassing deadlock ahead of a U.N. climate meeting that weekend. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, Pool)
