Coronavirus: Minister Kolíková does not see a problem in the amendment on COVID cards

Minister of Justice Mária Kolíková (For People) does not see any potential constitutional problem in the amendment on COVID cards. If it were dealt with by the Constitutional Court (CC) of the Slovak Republic, it is not afraid that it would end in a “fiasco.” “I am convinced that there is absolute proportionality between all rights,” said the Minister for TASR.

A key amendment

According to her, the amendment is key to the protection of public health in the fight against the pandemic of the new coronavirus. “It gives the Office of Public Health (ÚVZ) of the Slovak Republic the issuance of decrees that can more effectively prevent the spread of the virus and, on the other hand, take a more gentle approach to restricting people’s rights and freedoms and closing operations,” she said.

The Minister considers the categorization of people to be vaccinated and non-vaccinated against COVID-19 to be a very unfortunate phrase. He claims that everyone is free to decide whether to vaccinate. According to Kolíková, vaccinated people protect their health, but also the entire health system.

“Obviously, they will not have such a severe course of COVID-19 if they are also infected. They protect the whole society from having overcrowded hospitals, “she said, adding that the virus is less prevalent among vaccinated people.

The “fight” between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated

Therefore, according to her, it is appropriate that the future measures of the ÚVZ, in the worsening of the pandemic situation, take a much more sensitive approach to the issue of closures. “Many operations do not even have to close. They could potentially remain open to people who are less likely to spread the virus and who do not burden the health system, “she said. For those who do not want to be vaccinated, some measures need to be taken to protect society.” “she noted.

The Minister is not happy about what preceded the adoption of this amendment by the coalition. “Any disagreement, even in explaining the reasons, and the whole debate around this law within the coalition has certainly not helped to calm the situation in society,” she said.

She pointed to the “fight” between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Kolík welcomes the fact that the legislation has passed and the coalition has managed to do so. At the same time, the minister described as unfortunate how far the “protest wave” went. She called the attacks on journalists by protesters against the pandemic measures unacceptable.

On Sunday, members of parliament approved an amendment to the law on the protection, promotion and development of public health. Thanks to it, ÚVZ will be able to take into account the digital COVID card when creating anti-pandemic measures. It tells you if the person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, tested negative or overcome the disease.