Slovakia goes into a 2-week COVID lockdown; second European nation to do so

After Austria, Slovakia has become the second European nation to go into a 14-day lockdown after witnessing a sudden spurge COVID-19 cases in the country. The country has also declared a 90-day state of emergency. As of now, Slovakia is experiencing the world’s fastest rise in infections. With this measure, the country hopes to put a cap on the rising number of COVID cases.

On Tuesday, President Zuzana Čaputová addressed the nation and said, “Slovakia is losing the battle against COVID.” The president explained that the lockdown was important as the healthcare workers are overworked.
For two-weeks, all the non-essential stores, bars and restaurants will remain closed to help the healthcare centres. People will only be allowed to come out to get groceries, work related travel or to get vaccinated. Gathering of more than six people (not living in the same household) have also been prohibited during the emergency period.

Slovakia has the third-lowest vaccination rate in Europe. Till now, only around 45 percent of Slovaks are fully vaccinated. Besides, cases in the neighbouring nations are also going on a rise. The Czech Republic and Hungary have also recorded their daily rise while Austria is already under a complete lockdown from Monday, November 22.