Czechia recorded the highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases, as there were 650 newly infected people on Wednesday. That is the highest daily increase since the outbreak of the epidemic half a year ago. Until now, the maximum number of new cases had been 504.
The Czech Republic has also registered the highest coronavirus infection rate compared to its neighboring countries. Per million inhabitants, the daily increase in new cases in Germany and Slovakia are about two-thirds lower than in Czechia.
According to the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch, due to the growing number of new cases, it will probably be necessary to take further measures against the coronavirus, especially in Prague. The Minister himself is in quarantine after the country’s chief public health officer, Jarmila Rážová, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
In recent days, Rážová has also been in contact with other politicians, including Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. While Health Minister Vojtěch decided to stay in quarantine despite testing negative for coronavirus, PM Babiš does not need to be quarantined, as he sat far enough away from Rážová and wore a face mask during their meeting.
Since September 1, Czechia is following new coronavirus measures announced mid-August. People have to wear face masks on public transport, in public offices and health facilities, and at indoor events attended by more than 100 people.
Title image: People walking into the subway wear face masks on the first day of school in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. Starting Tuesday, it is mandatory that people cover their mouths and noses in all public transportation and some public places in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
