Skvernelis expects to stabilize coronavirus situation within 3 weeks

"We all have to wait patiently through those three weeks," Skvernelis told reporters on Thursday. "I've no doubt there'll be a result."

"We must stabilize that exponential rise (in infections) and the situation in healthcare establishments," the prime minister said.

"If we achieve that result within three weeks, we'll be able to gradually remove or relax the restrictions," he added.

Otherwise, even stricter restrictions will be put in place.

"If there's no result, the only way is to tighten the bolts further, but this is probably the most difficult way and not a very good one," Skvernelis said.

"If we see that there's no result, we'll have to take measures to minimize social contacts," he said.

The government announced on Wednesday a nationwide lockdown that will come into effect on Saturday and will last until November 29.