New State of Emergency

As of today there is a new state of emergency in Czech Republic. The country was doing well in keeping COVID-19 in check, including being the first country to mandate face masks.  However, with the recent surge of cases, Czechia is now the worst country in Europe for new infections.

The new state of emergency will last for 30 days.

• Groups over 10 people indoors or over 20 people outdoors, except for family members, are prohibited.
• Concerts and theatre performances involving singing are prohibited. 
• Theatre, film or other performances, without sining, can take place for less than 500 people.  Everyone must be seated and no refreshments are allowed.
• Sporting events can take place with up to 130 people but no spectators are allowed.
• Religious services may take place for up to 130 people but no singing is allowed.
• Restaurants can only have up to 6 people at a single table.  There needs to be 2 metres between tables.
• In all red or amber regions, only distance learning is permitted for secondary schools, higher vocational schools, and universities.
• Plus masks are back.

Hopefully this will allow things to get back on track.

Update:  As of 9 October there are additional restrictions.

• All casinos and gambling places are closed.
• The use of indoor sports grounds is prohibited.
• All swimming pools and wellness facilities are closed.
• All zoos are closed.
• Restaurants now must close at 8 pm with no more than four people allowed to sit at a single table.
• At food courts only two people can sit at a table together.
• A maximum of two people may enter shopping centres together.
• No public wireless internet is available in shopping centres (to prevent people from congregating there).

Update:  As of 12 October there are additional restrictions.

• All cultural, sporting and social events, religious services, dance or club events are cancelled for over 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors.  There's an exception for members of the same household.
• All trade fairs, fun fairs, and carnivals are prohibited.
• Weddings and funerals can have up to 500 people as observers.  A maximum of 30 people can be active participants while maintaining social distancing of at least 2 metres and wearing masks. 
• Students are not allowed at universities except for clinical, practical teaching and internships for students in general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and healthcare programmes.
• Teaching at secondary schools, higher vocational schools, and conservatories is prohibited.
• Elementary schools are divided into half-classes and the classes alternate weeks. Al l school clubs and leisure centres are banned.
• Group language school courses are prohibited in person.

Update: As of 13 October there are additional restrictions.

• School attendance is banned on 26 and 27 October.
• Public authorities will limit public office hours, over the next two weeks, to only two days per week, for five hours per day.
• Visits to medical and social facilities are banned.
• Masks must be work at mass transit stops, platforms and waiting rooms.
• People may not congregate in one place, either inside or outside, in groups over six people.
• Bars and Restaurants are closed.  Take out windows can operate only until 8 pm.
• All music, dance, gaming, social clubs, and discotheques are closed.
• Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
• Elementary schools will be completely closed from 14 October until 2 November.  

Update:  As of 21 October, people have to wear face masks even in cars if they are not from the same household.

Update:  As of 22 October, the free movement of people is prohibited.  You can travel to and from work, to see family, to visit the doctor or to purchase basic necessities.  Hotels and other accommodation facilities are closed, as are food courts in shopping centres.  All non-essential retail stores are closed.

Update:  As of 23 October, visits to people in jail, prison or pre-trial detention are prohibited.

Update:  As of 28 October there's a curfew in place from 9 pm to 5 am.  You can only go out during curfew when going to/from work, seeking medical attention or to walk your dog within 500 metres of your residence.  

Update:  The state of emergency has been extended to 20 November.