Lockdown loosens in Slovakia, stores and services open

Slovaks returned to shopping malls, libraries and hairdressers today for the first time in months, as the country opened shops and services with limited capacity as part of lifting restrictions imposed by coronavirus.

The country of 5.5 million people, emerging from the worst wave of the pandemic, has also opened churches, swimming pools, zoos and some shops as it tries to boost its vaccination program.

Hairdresser Lubitsa Temel, whose first date since December was today at 8 am, welcomed customers with a sense of relief and excitement, as described by AMPE. “Customers have been calling every day since December,” he said. “It’s a wonderful feeling that we can finally do what we love and of course social contact is invaluable.”

The hotels also opened their doors to a limited number of guests but the interiors of the restaurants remained closed. Movements away from the place of residence are also allowed.

Infections detected by PCR are below 1,000 a day on a weekly average, while hospitalizations fell to 1,978 from a record high of 3,800 in early March.

A negative test is required to enter churches, churches COVID-19 while the government urges people to continue to be vigilant.

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