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What to Know About Coronavirus — COVID-19 Explained
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause respiratory illnesses in humans ranging from common colds to more severe conditions such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).1
'Novel coronavirus' is a new, previously unidentified strain of coronavirus. The novel coronavirus involved in the current outbreak has been named SARS-CoV-2 by the World Health Organization (WHO). 3The disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (or “COVID-19”). 1,2
CNB unexpectedly cuts interest rates
The Czech National Bank unexpectedly cut interest rates by 50bp at today’s meeting, with all seven board members voting in favour of the cut. We expect the key rate to remain unchanged for the rest of the year. However, the door remains open to other instruments. The governor admitted that the central bank is ready to react to any excessive fluctuations in the koruna. Although the CNB currently perceives no shortage of liquidity in the banking system, the board also, as a preventive measure, softened the rules of governing liquidity-providing operations.
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CNB cuts and is ready to intervene EUR/CZK heading to 28.00
The CNB delivered a 50bp emergency rate cut today. This makes the already under pressure CZK more vulnerable as the its key anchor (the yield advantage) is now being taken away. CNB FX interventions are now a question of when rather than if. Should CZK see another abrupt move lower, we expect the CNB to step in around the 28.00 level (the first pain threshold level, in our view). This could happen this week. Yet this will not be a firm ceiling on EUR/CZK, with intervention having a smoothing rather than firming function. This means the EUR/CZK could trade meaningfully above 28.00 should global risk assets remain under pressure.
Břiza & Trubač: Can coronavirus be a legitimate reason for non-performance of contractual obligations?
On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the article on the recently discussed subject of coronavirus, written by Petr Bříza, was published on the epravo.cz webpage.
Coronavirus legal updates
The development of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to create contractual and other legal challenges which are in many ways unprecedented. Whilst the outbreak originated in China, its impact is being felt globally, and in response, we have co-ordinated across our own global offices to ensure that we centralise our know-how and are sharing best practice with our clients. This page contains some of our legal briefings created to date.
Strategic Directions for Czech Economic Policy
- Transition to High-Tech Manufacturing and Exports
- The City Campus as Idea Factory
- Government Programs and Processes That Drive Innovation
- Government as a Competitive Advantage, including Digitization
Advocacy Priorities for 2023
Technology, People, Infrastructure
Actions Recommended in Areas:
1. Establishing Policy Objectives for Research.
2. Research Investment and Cooperation. Big Bets (Key Technology Projects).
3. Establishing Databases for Tracking Public Policy Outcomes.
4. Public Procurement as an Innovation Tool.
5. Immigration of STEM Talents.
6. Digitization of Immigration.
7. Adult Reskilling and Upskilling.
8. Digitization of Land Use.
9. Infrastructure Development, including Technology Parks.
Read the documents in English and Czech.
Policy pipeline
In Policy Pipeline policy developments in the Czech Republic and abroad are monitored to bring better understanding of current topics and trends.