Comenius University

Factor in swelling doubts over the independence of the public broadcaster and the influence of oligarchic owners with stakes in private media outlets, and Slovakia's fall down the ranking becomes less shocking.

"The number of infected people in Slovakia has decreased significantly, so we can afford this step," Prime Minister Igor Matovic told a news conference on Monday.

With only 28 fatalities, Slovakia has the lowest per-capita coronavirus death rate in Europe. Total infections stand at just over 1,500, with 257 active cases as of Thursday.