BRATISLAVA -- Slovakian leaders propose a national lockdown because hospitals in the European Union are reaching their limits due to a record number of coronavirus infection.
The Slovak government, inspired by Austria, will discuss a lockdown for everyone -- all vaccinated or not -- during its Wednesday session. Prime Minister Eduard Heger stated that it was necessary to act immediately. His four-party coalition government was considering a lockdown lasting two or three weeks.
After visiting a major hospital in Bratislava, President Zuzana Caputova stated Tuesday that "it's an unpopular step, but absolutely necessary."
Caputova stated that what she witnessed at Bratislava University Hospital was "tragic, was terrible."
She stated that experts were clear. "It is necessary to restrict people’s mobility, and we need a lockdown... unfortunately, this measure must affect everyone."
Slovakia reported 9171 new cases of virus on Friday, breaking the 8342 record set just a few days before.
Slovakia has imposed new restrictions on Monday for those who have not been vaccinated. They are now banned from shopping malls and no-necessary stores. They are also forbidden from attending any public gatherings or events and must be tested twice per week before they can go to work.
On Monday, the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized rose 161 to 3182, well above the critical 3,000-bed level that Slovakia's Health Ministry considers crucial. The Ministry said that more than 82% have not been fully immunized.
Slovakia's 45.3% vaccination rate is lower than the EU's average 65.5%.
The nation of 5.5 Million has recorded 621,423 cases of virus and 13,985 deaths.
