Slovakia puts unvaccinated into lockdown as Covid surges across Europe
Slovakia has one of the EU’s lowest vaccination rates, with 45% of people fully jabbed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Slovakia will impose stricter measures for people who have not been vaccinated against coronavirus amid a surge in infections and hospital admissions that are stretching the health system, Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Thursday.
The country of 5.5 million has seen a record number of cases in the past days, topping 8,000 on Tuesday, and said earlier this week that it had few intensive care beds available for coronavirus patients.
“It is a lockdown for the unvaccinated,” Heger told a news conference shown live on television.
Under the new rules, only people who have been vaccinated or who have had Covid-19 in the past six months will be allowed to enter restaurants, shopping malls, shops with non-essential goods, sports activities and public events.
Infections have been rising across parts of the continent, with some European countries experiencing a record number of daily cases in recent weeks.
Slovakia’s measures, taking effect next Monday and foreseen for three weeks, echo those adopted in neighbouring Austria this week, and are similar to rules implemented in Germany on Thursday.
Tighter rules will exempt those vaccinated and those who have overcome Covid-19 in the past six months.
Slovakia has one of the European Union’s lowest vaccination rates, with 45% of the total population vaccinated versus the EU average of 65%. It has reported 13,725 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Some services including restaurants will face further restrictions in most-affected regions even for those vaccinated, only being able to serve take-away.
The new rules include the requirement to test unvaccinated people in workplaces in all but the least-affected regions.
Heger said vaccinated people would be the first to see some of the new restrictions eased.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments