Janez Poklukar

Ljubljana – Health Minister Janez Poklukar and the head of the Medical Chamber Bojana Beović warned about the possibility of the fifth wave of Covid infections. Poklukar thinks that another wave could emerge in February next year as a result of an insufficient vaccination rate.

Ljubljana – Slovenia saw its daily coronavirus count drop on the week before for the third straight day as 1,389 cases were confirmed on Sunday. However, more than half of the PCR tests were positive, and beds available for intensive treatment of Covid-19 patients are all but full, official data show.

Ljubljana – As hospitals are under tremendous pressure from increasing numbers of Covid patients, they will be helped out by the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) and Red Cross volunteers. Talks are also under way with the country’s Civil Protection force.

Brdo pri Kranju/Ljubljana – The government will discuss measures to contain the rapid spread of coronavirus infections in Brdo pri Kranju on Friday afternoon. Health Minister Janez Poklukar has said that healthcare is at capacity, noting that there is no other way than to restrict social life in the coming days.

Ljubljana – Slovenia’s epidemiological status is poor as the country’s heads towards the worst situation since the start of the epidemic, said Health Minister Janez Poklukar on Wednesday. If the trend is not reversed, he will propose at least a partial lockdown, he announced, noting that some Covid restrictions were being stepped up.

Ljubljana – Health Minister Janez Poklukar has rejected in an interview with the STA speculations that he would found his own party before the coming general election, due next year. What is more, he does not intend to stand in the election, but should a chance arise, he sees himself continuing as health minister after the election.

Ljubljana – Slovenia was expected to phase out on Monday free rapid testing for all but the most high-risk professions, but the government has now changed course. Employees in healthcare, education, retail and the events industry will continue to have access to free tests.

Ljubljana – WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge was received by President Borut Pahor and Health Minister Janez Poklukar as he arrived in Slovenia on Wednesday. In a press statement, they all stressed the importance of vaccination and warned of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in view of the resurgence of infections.

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Ljubljana – Slovenia test-introduced the European digital Covid certificate today, while the system will be fully up and running next week, Health Minister Janez Poklukar told the press on Thursday.

For registered uses with digital identity, the certificate will be available on the zVem portal this evening.

Ljubljana – The government has passed legislation that involves EUR 1.9 billion in spending on health investments over the next ten years for hospitals and educational institutions to beef up the capacity of the national health system. The money will be secured in regular annual budgets from 2021 to 2031.