Slovak cities demand say in national coronavirus response

The Union of Slovak Cities believes that the burden of previous nationwide testing campaigns has fallen squarely on local governments and they have a right to shape policy

In the aftermath of Slovakia’s third nationwide testing campaign, the Union of Slovak Cities has asked the country’s Prime Minister to convene a consortium of experts, with the participation of local government representatives. It demands that they jointly evaluate the results of the nationwide screening, assess the valid government resolution that divides the districts and agree on the next steps in the country’s coronavirus response.

Working together for the greater good

The Union of Slovak Cities (UMS) has called on the Prime Minister to convene a consortium of experts without delay with the participation of local government representatives. According to a spokeswoman for Daniela Piršelová, the ÚMS requests that they jointly evaluate the results of the nationwide testing campaign, assess a valid government resolution that divides the districts and agree on further action in regard to the coronavirus pandemic and its handling.

Current test results show that the epidemiological situation is different in each city and therefore it is necessary to reflect on this fact and take it into account in other government decisions. After the nationwide screening, ÚMS states that testing is extremely demanding economically, humanly, and organizationally for local governments, and without mayors, the state would not be able to implement such a project again.

"Cities are heroes, they managed to handle another extreme onslaught and they handled it excellently. The government has been given exact numbers, now it is necessary to pass them on to experts and specialists because only they can realistically assess how to proceed. Cities are ready to provide a safe and effective opportunity for citizens to be tested where further testing proves necessary. The fact that the state will stand by the cities and provide them with everything they need is also crucial," said ÚMS President Richard Rybníček.

This opinion by the Union was supported by 56 mayors in the country, representing more than 2 million inhabitants of Slovakia.