From this Friday until next Monday, the Czech Republic will implement stricter coronavirus measures. The government decided to do so based on the high daily increases in coronavirus cases, which have exceeded 5,000 several days in a row.
Restaurants must close no later than 8 p.m., instead of 10 p.m., while a maximum of four people, instead of six, can sit at one table. They may reopen every day at 6 a.m. The service windows at restaurants and pubs can still operate, however, as in clubs or discos, live music and dancing are prohibited.
Furthermore, gyms, fitness centers, indoor pools, swimming pools, and zoos are not allowed to open for the next 14 days. Other restrictions apply to shopping malls and discos, and even more significant restrictions will apply starting on Monday.
No Wi-Fi in shopping malls
Starting today, the number of diners allowed at a table at canteens in shopping malls is reduced to two. At the same time, mall operators must switch off their wireless internet so that high school students, who are now attending school online, do not gather there.
Customers can only stay in groups of two and must maintain a distance of at least two meters from others in shops and service establishments. As with tables in restaurants, members of one household are an exception.
The daily increase in the number of new cases of coronavirus in the Czech Republic were record-breaking on Wednesday and Thursday, exceeding the 5,000 mark. Thus, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, patients in serious condition, and deaths is also rapidly increasing. According to the Minister of Health Roman Prymula, without the new measures, the capacity of the domestic healthcare system might not be sufficient in as soon as two weeks.
If the current situation does not significantly improve in 14 days, the Czech Republic will be in danger of another complete lockdown.
Title image: The Health Minister Roman Prymula at yesterday‘s press conference. (Office of the Government of the Czech Republic)
