Slovakia: Overview of current extraordinary measures related to COVID-19
18 March 2020 – It may be challenging for non-Slovak speakers to understand what the “state of emergency” declared by the Slovak government means, in particular if you are still required to manage your business and/or employees in Slovakia, while having to deal with new challenges that pop-up every day. In an effort to help ensure you have all the facts you need, we summarise below the governmental measures imposed in Slovakia in the past days.
Please note that the information below is not legal advice; it is a summary of current restrictive measures that we believe you may find helpful.
Although some limitations were imposed on Thursday, 12 March 2020, more restrictive measures took effect on Friday, 13 March 2020, and additional (and stricter) measures were introduced as of Monday 16 March 2020. These restrictions are in place for at least 14 days, i.e., until 30 March 2020 or until being revoked.
Border closures and quarantine
- Borders with all neighbouring countries have been closed. Only Slovak citizens and foreigners who hold a Slovak residence permit (permanent or temporary) are allowed to enter Slovakia.
- All such residents returning to Slovakia from abroad must remain in a 14-day self-quarantine at home, including all members of the same household. They are obliged to contact their medical practitioners immediately upon return. Quarantine is to be monitored by the state authorities including the police, which are in cooperation with telecom providers.
- Anyone entering Slovakia as part of an organised group coming from critical countries is ordered into quarantine at special facilities designated by the Ministry of Interior to undertake testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. If the results are negative, a self-quarantine must follow.
- Failure to maintain a quarantine may be sanctioned with a fine of up to EUR 1,659.
Transportation
- All Slovak international airports (Bratislava, Košice, Poprad) are closed and no public flight departures from or arrivals to Slovakia are allowed.
- No international passenger rail or bus transportation is allowed. Domestic passenger transportation operates in a limited (weekend) regime.
- The import and movement of goods is not limited, but drivers are required to wear and use protective equipment and will be subject to random health checks at border crossings.
- River (maritime) transports are not allowed to enter any Slovak harbour, but sailing through Slovak territory without stopping is allowed.
Closure of retail and services
- All retail businesses, shops, facilities and services (including taxi services) must suspend operations, under a penalty of up to EUR 20,000.
The allowed exceptions include:
(i) groceries and drugstores;
(ii) pharmacies, medical equipment shops;
(iii) gas stations and newsstands;
(iv) pet food stores, including veterinary clinics;
(v) telecommunications operators and post offices, in limited regime;
(vi) restaurants and fast food stalls, BUT these can only be opened between 6.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. and may only provide take-away and delivery services;
(vii) postal, banking and insurance services;
(viii) car repair services and towing services;
(ix) laundry and drycleaners;
(x) goods delivery services;
(xi) operations of online shops (e-shops) and delivery services.
Ban on social, cultural, leisure or sport events
- The organisation of collective social, cultural, leisure or sport events is forbidden.
- Swimming pools, sports facilities, spa and wellness facilities and all similar facilities are closed. This does not apply to natural spas and spas providing rehabilitation or medical treatments.
Education
- All educational facilities, including pre-school and school facilities, universities, leisure centres and other organised leisure activities for children are closed.
Availability of state and governmental authorities and hospitals
- The opening hours of customer centres at state and governmental authorities are limited to three hours daily, if not closed entirely; instead, hotlines and e-communication are operated.
- Visits to hospital patients and social care patients are prohibited.
Emergency regime at medical facilities
- All public medical facilities (mainly hospitals) are currently operating under an emergency regime, which means that all scheduled operations are to be postponed, so as to allow medical facilities be prepared for a potential increase of patients with COVID-19.
Please do not hesitate to revert to your usual contact at Kinstellar in case of any question relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential impacts to your business, or contact our COVID-19 Legal Response Hotline at .