People’s interest in getting tested for coronavirus in Orava and Bardejov is enormous, over 13,600 residents have turned up in four hours

Trial mass testing of SVK citizens for COVID-19 has been underway at all 182 testing sites in Orava and Bardejov today. 13,600 residents have turned up for testing in the first four hours. Of them, 497 have been tested positive for coronavirus.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, Defence State Secretary Marian Majer and Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko have come to the districts to help resolve any problems which may crop up on the ground and to give their support and thank all those involved in COVID-19 relief efforts. Currently, 800 soldiers are deployed to assist at the testing sites, while 1,400 personnel are providing logistical support to Op Shared Responsibility.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “I am immensely proud of all the work done so far by our soldiers, police, firefighters, self-governing authorities and volunteers so that we could open the testing sites in the most affected districts of Slovakia at 08:00 today. We can say that people’s interest in getting tested for coronavirus is enormous and it exceeds our expectations.” He praised civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) for which all those involved deserve a big thank you.

On the difficulties associated with the preparations for testing, he confirmed that there was a lack of healthcare workers in the morning. This was partly because some registered volunteers who offered help did not turn up at the testing sites. “Logistics proved a demanding task as well. 2,000 military personnel worked throughout the night until early morning hours, distributing material across the country with 150 military lorries,” said Defence Minister J. Naď. According to him, also thanks to excellent coordination with other ministries and local authorities, all difficulties were dealt with promptly and very flexibly.

From the perspective of Op Shared Responsibility Command, Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko said that the situation is stabilised and no security incidents have been reported. Looking ahead, Chief of Defence Gen Zmeko said: “Throughout the night we’ll disinfect the sites and supplement material and personnel, wherever necessary, and we’ll start testing again tomorrow morning. I want to thank all local self-governing authorities for their outstanding cooperation and, of course, my servicemen and women, who make up the core of the medical personnel on sites, for their amazing commitment.” He said there were plans for medical staff to take turns every four hours. However, due to shortages of personnel this was not possible at some testing sites where they had been working uninterruptedly since 08:00.

Today, the residents of Orava can get tested at 114 testing sites until 20:00, while 68 testing sites are available to local people in Bardejov. On Saturday and Sunday, the total number of testing sites will be increased to 235, whereas they can be redeployed to other testing districts, wherever required. All test data will be gathered by the SVK Armed Forces and will be reported to the National Medical Information Centre.