Even after the end of the emergency situation and the associated area-based measures, COVID-19 disease has not disappeared, it continues to circulate in the population. Management of epidemic measures is currently fully within the competence of individual health establishments. University Hospital Bratislava, for example, temporarily banned visits to patients. The health department is monitoring the development of the situation, but also in view of the registered decline in morbidity, it is currently not considering any area-based measures.
There may be an increase in respiratory disease in the near future, which is also related to the flu season each year. In recent years, COVID-19 has also added to these diseases, which is in line with the expectations of epidemiologists. We are following the situation and we are ready to intervene if necessary, assured Minister of Health Zuzana Dolink.
We continue to encourage citizens to maintain a responsible approach to protecting their own health in preventing COVID-19 disease. Basic measures include thorough hand hygiene, covering the airways in hospitals, ambulances or homes of social services, where vulnerable groups of people are located, stated the chief sanitary officer of the Slovak Republic, Jan Mikas. More information on the website of the Office of Public Health:Public Health Office - Portal of the authorities - Liferay (uzvr.sk)
The most effective tool against COVID-19 disease is vaccination, which remains voluntary and fully covered by public health insurance for all. The aim of vaccination is to prevent hospitalisations for COVID-19, severe diseases and deaths, as well as to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Vaccination is carried out in selected medical establishments, the complete list is published on the website of the Ministry of Health:https://www.health.gov.sk/?Zozam-centier-XBB
Prohibitions on hospital visits
Currently, health establishments can issue a separate ban on visits to the clinics and departments concerned, given the increased incidence of acute respiratory diseases and influenza. The decision to limit visits is entirely the responsibility of individual hospitals. There are also regional public health authorities with which hospitals can consult the epidemiological situation in the region.
Current variant of virus
If the epidemic situation deteriorates significantly, the health sector will manage it again in cooperation with the Public Health Office and experts, taking into account the experience gained from the effectiveness of the various actions implemented between 2019 and 2023.
Developments in figures
As regards acute respiratory disease, a decrease in morbidity was recorded in the 46th calendar week, namely 7.1% compared to the previous calendar week. A slight decrease in morbidity was also reported for COVID-19.
Information to the public related to COVID-19 Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic regularly updates on its website, specifically in the section News:
https://www.uvzr.sk/web/uz/home/-/asset publisher/uhuw/content/coid-19-a-jesen-2023
Disease for acute respiratory diseases and influenza and influenza-like diseases in the Slovak Republic in the influenza seasons 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 (Source: ÚVZ SR)
