Slovakia is running a three-stage COVID-19 testing of the whole country, aimed at identifying and quarantining the infected. The previous three weeks had seen an alarming rise, with new cases per day into the thousands, and hospitals pushed to their limit. The mobilization is employing the rapid antigen tests made in South Korea, and the Slovakian military is aiding in the logistics.
In the first stage, a week ago, the four worst provinces were tested, showing a 3.97% rate. Over 5,000 people were identified to begin a 10-day isolation period, either at their homes or at government-sponsored locations. In the second stage, over this last weekend, 3.6 million were tested, with 38,359 positives, representing 1.06%. Since the tests are not as accurate for catching those in the early stages of infection, a third stage, involving retesting, is scheduled for next weekend, for all districts that previously showed 0.7% or higher. While the test is optional, a strict 10-day quarantine is required for those who choose to not get tested. Anyone who tests positive must go into strict isolation at home or at a state quarantine facility for 10 days. Police officers are doing spot checks during the three-week testing period, and those who have taken the test are given a certificate they must show to police. Those who are found breaking the quarantine or isolation rules can be fined EU1,650 (about $1,920).
