SLOVAKIA
/The following information has been collected and collated by convergence consulting in collaboration with our in-country Global Alliance Partner. Please let us know if you have additional questions by emailing us at COVID-19@cc-global.com.
1. Does your country’s health authority have guidelines or requirements for when COVID-19 cases are classified work-related and reported as a workplace illness?
COVID-19 is not classified as a work-related illness and is not reported as a workplace illness. There are no guidelines at this time.
In general, a person with suspected COVID-19 should contact the General Practitioner by telephone, who then contacts Regional Operational Rescue Center and Regional Public Health Officer of the Regional Public Health Authority.
Specific guidance was issued for measuring body temperature at the workplace: In hospitals and industrial companies measuring of body temperature is required. At other companies, reports are kept about employees whose temperatures have been detected as high reported to the management of the workplace. (Guidance on how to measure body temperature and detect elevated body temperature when entering hospitals and industrial companies, issued by Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic on 2nd April 2020).
2. Is there information on the timing of “return to work” and the process for a worker to return, i.e. examination by a physician, or a negative COVID test?
There is no specific information related to ‘return to work’ scenarios. However, in general, symptomatic persons need 2 negative detection tests, on day 9 from the onset of symptoms and / or at least 3 days after clinical symptoms have resolved. (Guidance from the Chief Public Health Officer of the Slovak Republic regarding the COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, from 20.4.2020, OE/791/89586/2020).
3. Does your country’s health authority have COVID-19 mitigation guidelines for the public and/or for business? If so, please list them below and how long they will be in place.
The government of the Slovak Republic announced the emergency situation on March 16, 2020. Current decisions, regime measures, and guidelines that are in place for COVID-19 until further notice. They can be found at:
Current regime measures, decision, and guidelines: http://www.uvzsr.sk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=250&Itemid=153
A full list of business types and operations that are currently closed or have amended operating practices can be found at: https://www.health.gov.sk/Clanok?Hlavna-sprava-COVID-19
Additional guidelines and up-to-date COVID-19 information can be found at: https://www.korona.gov.sk (also available in English)
The Government announced on Monday, May 20, 2020 a plan for opening of the Slovak economy. April 22, 2020 will be the beginning of the first phase: shops and services under 300m2, public catering through sales windows, outside sports grounds (non-contact sports), long-term accommodation without food, outside markets, car and used car dealers will open. According to indicators (daily increase of cases) the Government will decide whether or not to move ahead with the next phase of the plan. Current regulations remain in place and are current as of April 21, 2020. The main measures and guidelines are:
Non-essential stores are closed.
Exceptions are food stores, pharmacy, drugstores, press shops, post offices, banks, petrol stations, etc.
Stricter hygiene conditions are implemented in commercial premises: mandatory use of protective masks, at the entrance, hand disinfection or protective gloves, at least 2 meters between people in rows, one shopper per 25 square meters
From 9 am to 12 noon, preferential shopping is valid for seniors over 65 years of age and shops are closed on Sundays.
See link below for more information on retail stores and non-essential store closures:
It is prohibited to organize social, cultural, sporting and similar events, as well masses and other religious ceremonies, and all entertainment operations are closed
The links below provide information about social event restrictions:
http://www.uvzsr.sk/docs/info/covid19/Opatrenie_UVZSR_zakaz_hromadnych_podujati_od_24032020.pdf
Wearing protective masks that cover nose and mouth outside the house or apartment is mandatory, with exceptions (kids under 2 years, persons in car, etc.) See the link below for further detail on protective mask use:
http://www.uvzsr.sk/docs/info/covid19/Opatrenie_pre_nosenie_rusok.pdf
All persons coming from abroad must self-quarantine per the mandatory state quarantine rules. Exceptions apply to certain groups including pregnant women, persons over 75 years, persons with serious health problems, commuters, drivers and freight crews. More information on international travel guidance can be found at:
http://www.uvzsr.sk/docs/info/covid19/opatrenie_statna_karantena_16_4_2020.pdf
At the entrance to hospitals and industrial operations, the body temperature should be measured. See the link below for guidance on how to take body temperature and detect elevated temperature before entering hospitals:
Schools and school facilities are closed.
All three international airports are closed and there are border controls with all neighboring states.
Only persons with permanent or temporary residence in the Slovak Republic or a valid passport can enter the territory of the Slovak Republic.
Traveling abroad is not recommended.
International train and bus services have ceased, domestic travel is restricted.
ships shall not stop at Slovak ports.Office hours are limited.
There is a ban on visits to patients in all Slovak hospitals, social services homes, and orphanages.
In addition, specific guidelines were issued for healthcare and medical areas. For example, measures requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for; health and social workers, experts working in the first line and other persons in close contact with symptomatic persons with potential COVID-19.
4. Which governmental authority issued these guidelines, and are they voluntary or mandatory?
The main governmental authorities issuing guidelines are:
Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic
Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic
Other guidelines and laws related to COVID-19 are issued by relevant Ministries of Slovak Republic.
The measures and guidelines are mandatory.
5. Do these mitigation measures have any consequence, such as, if a person does not abide by these measures must they pay a fine or go to jail?
Fines may be:
up to 1,659 EURO for disobeying quarantine measures,
up to 20,000 EURO for disobeying commercial store measures, entertainment operations measures, etc.
Fines are not applied to those not wearing masks – only warnings are given.
6. Has your country adopted any laws or regulations related to COVID-19?
A broad variety of laws are being amended and changed. More information about updated laws and regulations will be posted to this article once available.
The data presented here is not a complete analysis of all COVID-19 information; however, our in-country Partner will provide updates as and when considered appropriate and as relevant data becomes available. If you have any additional questions, or request for country information, please email us at COVID-19@cc-global.com with additional inquiries.
