Slovakia tests Roma population for virus

The Slovak Army has started testing individuals for possible coronavirus infections in Roma settlements in the east of Slovakia.

Medical personnel carried out tests on approximately 50 people on Friday in the village of Jarovnice, near Presov.

Prime Minister Igor Matovic said the one-week testing drive, which started on Friday with the help of the military and Roma activists, will take place in 33 settlements.

Authorities are first focusing on the approximately 1,000 people who have recently returned from abroad and also those who have symptoms of the infection.

Those who test positive in Jarovnice will have to go in quarantine in a local primary school.

At least 471 cases of infection have been confirmed in Slovakia.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia and lead to death.