On Friday, March 5, 2021, President Zuzana Čaputová paid her respects to the victims of the Covid-19 illness in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace.

The symbolic commemoration took place on the eve of the anniversary of the confirmation of the first coronavirus case in Slovakia. "I have lit seven candles on the eve of this somber anniversary, one for every thousand victims of this virus.  I am thinking about the fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who would still be enjoying their lives if they had only been lucky enough to avoid infection. I am also thinking about the healthcare workers who contracted the virus while taking care of their patients. They died in the service of others.  I am thinking about the elderly in senior citizen facilities who succumbed to the virus despite the implementation of the strictest safety measures. They died alone, without the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones. I am also thinking about those who may have infected family and friends; in addition to suffering the pain of their loss, they may be haunted by guilt. And I am thinking about all survivors to whom I would like to express my deepest condolences."

According to the president, the virus is the most serious problem of humankind today.  Our best minds are working hard to defeat it and thus bring an end to the measures limiting movement around the world. "Unfortunately, we are still in a situation in which we cannot avoid casualties. Despite acting cautiously, none of us can be assured of avoiding infection if those around us do not also act cautiously. Although we lack certainty and feel powerless, we can reduce the risk by acting responsibly. And so, I would like to ask each and every one of you to be responsible. Let the light of these candles serve us as a memorial to those who have died, but also as a beacon of hope, which all of us so truly need.”

 
Photo: TASR