Thank you.
Dear Mr. Chairman, vice-chairs, members of the standing committee on health, dear friends in Canada, I would like to extend my cordial greetings from Bratislava to all of you. I'm pleased and honoured to have this opportunity to address you. Likewise, allow me to convey my special thanks to the Honourable Michelle Rempel Garner, a great friend of Slovakia, for the invitation to share the Slovak experience with nationwide population testing.
The current pandemic is a humanitarian crisis that is threatening to leave deep social, economic and political scars for years to come. It is therefore highly desirable and responsible to adopt corresponding strategies that have the potential to relieve impacts of the pandemic.
Before the introduction of the vaccines, the testing itself was the only efficient tool for countering the pandemic. In this context, Slovakia opted for nationwide testing, which has proven to be helpful in revealing the areas hardest hit by the virus as well as in reducing the rate of incidence. This information was crucial for preparing and adjusting the corresponding region-based measures.
Overall, I perceive that it's extremely important to build synergies at the international level, including through sharing examples of best practices. Let me thank you once again for your interest in the Slovak experience related to testing. Mr. Pavelka is ready to provide you with further information on this matter.
Stay healthy and keep safe. Thank you.