President Sends Letter to Krajci Regarding Current Epidemic Situation

Bratislava, February 23 (TASR) - President Zuzana Caputova sent a letter to Health Minister Marek Krajci (OLaNO) with regards to the serious epidemic situation in the country on Tuesday, TASR learnt from the president's spokesman Martin Strizinec on the same day. Based on recommendations of scientists formulated at last week's meeting at the Presidential Palace, Caputova is asking the Health Ministry to provide analysis of positive samples for the occurrence of new coronavirus mutations (the so-called sequencing). "We urgently need to know how we are doing. We need to learn what dangerous mutations of the virus we are currently confronted with and how significant their occurrence is," wrote the president. She views information on the occurrence of new coronavirus mutations as key for further decision-making on pandemic measures in the future. The head of the state also stressed how important it is to stabilise health-care staff, to motivate them financially and so prevent an exodus of medical professionals abroad when the pandemic ends. "I appreciate very much that medical professionals carry out their profession with great devotion despite difficult conditions and a complete work overload. I realise, however, that they are already fatigued and that many of them are demotivated or frustrated as well," stated the president. Strizinec added that the president will also discuss the current epidemic situation at a meeting with Prime Minister Igor Matovic (OLaNO) and Parliamentary Chair Boris Kollar (We Are Family) on Tuesday. ko/df