Kollár put it bluntly: The current situation is hopeless! This is not how it goes – Topky.sk

It looks like the situation in Slovakia is gradually starting to improve. Infection numbers are more or less stable and the number of infected patients in hospitals is declining. Interest in vaccinations is also rising slightly. The coalition decided to increase its financial motivation, especially for high-risk groups over the age of 60. They are offered at least 200 euros for each senior who has already been vaccinated or is planning to be vaccinated by 15 January. The proposal of the Minister of Finance Igor Matovič was approved by the deputies of the parliament on Thursday, the overwhelming majority was in favor, including the opposition deputies around Petr Pellegrini.

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However, many experts claim that the motivation of seniors came late. However, according to mathematician Richard Kollár, a belated idea of ​​politicians is not the only problem in resolving the pandemic in Slovakia. There are reportedly more. Among them, for example, communication with citizens. According to Kollár, politicians should motivate people to comply with the measures and not take such measures in which they look for side paths to bypass them. If they do not sufficiently explain the need and justification of the measures, it is highly likely that people will not comply with them.

Another problem is the motivation of other groups of the population, not just those at risk. The government tried to motivate many, for example, by a vaccination lottery, into which the state poured tens of millions of euros. Subsequently, he introduced a lockdown for everyone with benefits for vaccinated and outdated Slovaks. According to Kollár, however, another motivation is also needed. “It needs to be clarified that in the long run it may be a seasonal vaccination, and the vaccine will not provide complete protection against infection, but it is still necessary to vaccinate for yourself and others.” said the mathematician. In addition, according to Kollár, the state needs to sufficiently compensate the losses to those sectors that had to be closed to lockdowns and create economic aid instruments.

The problem in the current situation is also that the medical staff is exhausted from the constant onslaught on hospitals, and after the catastrophic second wave, many doctors and nurses gave up. Therefore, according to Kollár, it is appropriate to start effectively scaling capacities – whether human, material or financial. The mathematician states that information on the long-term effects of a pandemic on society could also help.

“In terms of education, mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships, what to do in case of social isolation and financial need, etc. Last but not least, an effective fight against misinformation is needed.” Kollár pointed out that the pandemic is only a minimal problem of infectology and epidemiology. This is because most questions in these areas have already been answered. The coronavirus has been causing problems around the world for two years. During this period, we all learned a lot about the infection.

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“We know what measures are available, what their relative effectiveness is, we know what treatments are available. Even there, knowledge is still evolving, especially in relation to new options, but it is no longer groundbreaking information on whether “The virus is spreading through aerosols or droplets. It’s only a small part of the knowledge needed to deal with the current crisis.” Kollár explained. And that’s why, according to the mathematician, that’s why politicians “get in trouble” – because they prioritize problems that aren’t priority issues. “It is essential to set up governance so that the government receives information systematically from all relevant areas. To address priority issues,” Kollár said that the current situation is hopeless.

And so all those involved – from politicians, through members of the council, to the citizens themselves, who also feel another strong emotion – feel cheated. “It can’t go on like this. Until the source of the problem is resolved, we can’t expect another result. It will be the same again. my chance at helicopter money, “ concluded Kollár.