Update on across-the-board testing of SVK citizens for COVID-19

It is at these moments that service personnel, joined by representatives of the self-governing bodies, are out on the ground in the virus hotspots of Orava and Bardejov, where they are visiting the proposed testing sites and checking whether they can comply with the conditions required for safe testing of SVK citizens. Yet still, each testing site requires final approval by the local hygienist, whereas testing will be permitted only on the premises thus approved. The Ministry of Defence will contact the other self-governing authorities in the coming days and provide them with information on preparations for and implementation of the COVID-19 testing programme. Because of preparations are now underway for testing in Slovakia’s hardest hit areas, the MOD is kindly asking the local self-governing bodies for patience.

A total of 235 testing sites have been identified in Orava and Bardejov, where over 180,000 people are expected to be tested. More than 2,500 soldiers, police officers, firefighters, medical professionals and administrative workers will be involved in testing efforts under the pilot testing phase. Each round of testing, whether that be in Orava and in Bardejov or, subsequently, in other parts of Slovakia will take place over three successive days, from Friday to Sunday. This follows from the total daily testing capacity of a testing site which is estimated at 250-300 people per day.

Testing will be conducted exclusively by medical professionals, whereas the results will be given to each tested person separately in a closed envelope. For those tested positive for the virus, also enclosed will be information on their duties and on what to do next.

Testing will be arranged in one direction, so that the people being tested are separated from each other. Where conditions allow, testing will be conducted in outside spaces. Each testing team will be made up of eight members: a serviceman as the team leader, four medical professionals (from the Ministry of Heath, the Ministry of Defence and the Fire and Rescue Service (HaZZ)), a member of the SVK Police Corps, and two or three administrative workers. Each team can be supplemented by city, town or village police and voluntary workers.

Children aged over 10 years are allowed to be tested for COVID-19. Given that elderly people aged over 65 stay at home most of the time, testing is not recommended for them. Immobile patients will not be subject to testing. Pensioners in care homes will be tested separately and directly on-site.

Due to the COVID-19 testing programme, the Ministry of Defence stresses that no increased mobility of people will be required, as individuals will be tested at the nearest mobile testing units rather than in their places of residence.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence is setting up a website where all relevant information will be made available. And so will the application form for volunteers who want to help out with COVID-19 testing.