Pursuant to Articles 5 and 6 of the Constitutional Act No. 110/1998 Coll., On the Security of the Czech Republic, the Government declares State of Emergency for the territory of the Czech Republic due to health threat in connection with proven occurrence of coronavirus (referred to as SARS CoV-2) in the Czech Republic, from 2 pm on 12 March 2020 for a period of 30 days.

State of Emergency was extented until May 17, 2020. The extension is one week shorter than the Government initially proposed (May 25). 

Crisis measures

• Government Crisis Committee was announced and the first session was held on March 16;
• The Ministry of Health announced on March 17 that it has authorized the distribution, supply and use of the non-authorized Remdesivir. The medicine will be used in patients in the Czech Republic who have a confirmed coronavirus infection.The effectiveness of this measure is 9 months from the date of its posting on the official notice board of the Ministry of Health;
• from March 19, 12.00 telecommunications operators and banks are obliged to assist the authorities in tracing the spread of the coronavirus;
• from March 22, the Ministry of Health has taken an emergency measure regulating the prescription of Plaquenil to ensure that it is sufficient for patients infected with coronavirus;
• on March 30, the Government announced Smart Quarantine pilot project launch in the South Moravian region, which will map the contacts of positively tested individuals to COVID-19 using modern information technology, is intended to help regional hygiene stations trace other potentially infected, performed with assistance of the Czech army. Smart quarantine should be extended to all 14 regions of the Czech Republic by May 1. The second phase of Smart Quarantine implementation will focuse on improved data sharing between laboratories and hygienic stations.
• on April 1, the Government proposed the Chamber of Deputies to extend the state of emergency by further 30 days (the session of the Chamber of Deputies held on April 7, 8 endorsed extension until April 30);
• the elderly citizens aged 70+ are recommended not to leave their dwellings and ask for assitance with anything they need. Municipalities are obliged to assist/help them;
• on April 20, the first stage of the Government's five-stage plan to relax current restrictions began (in Czech). The staged ease of restrictions will continue unless the number of newly infected Covid19 patients reaches 400 per day. If this occurs, the government did not announce an exact response, but may freeze, reverse, or modify the plan. On April 23, the Government decided to accelerate the process by 14 days, getting to stage 3 already on April 27.
• on April 23, the Government terminated ban on free movement, social distancing (2m) and hygienic measures remain in place. On May 7, the Government announced that, depending on the epidemiological situation, the obligation to wear mouth/nose cover could be lifted on 15 June for outdoor presence (parks, streets & squares); the obligation would be still applicable in public transportation, shops, indoor spaces where there is higher number of people.
• The Government discussed the proposed Act on Extraordinary Measures During the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, The act specifies and defines the regime of emergency measures to prevent or avert the immediate effects of a possible epidemic. The Ministry could propose and the government decree measures affecting public transportation, retail and production, shopping centers, mass events and universities for a period of time limited by the immediate epidemiological risk. The act would be in effect until the end of 2020. Parliament will address the act in the abbreviated form of regular legislative process. By September 30, the Ministry of Health plans to propose an amendment of the Public Health Protection Act. The amendment would allow the Ministry to issue measures protecting the health of the Czech citizens in the event of potential pandemic.  

Free movement of people

• from 16 March 0.00  ban on free movement of people at the national level, reducing social contact to the necessary minimum, with the following exceptions: way to and back from work, necessary visits or accompanying family members or relatives, or to obtain food and essential supplies, medicines or pet supplies, medical visits or to deal with urgent official matters or post, banks or use petrol stations, also carry out work of police officers, medical staff or social workers, etc, but also walks in the parks or to the countryside, allowed are volunteering, individual spiritual care, occupations providing services to general public, including supply and distribution services and veterinary care.
• from 19 March all persons shall be prohibited from moving and staying in any place outside their residence without respiratory protective equipment (nose, mouth); a respirator, veil, face mask, scarf, shawl or other means to prevent droplet infection may be used for protection;
• from March 20, a recommendation for owners of premises in recreational areas to restrict their stays outside their homes;
• the Ministry of Health strongly warns that citizens with an ordered quarantine or having been in contact with a Covid-19 positively tested person should not leave their homes. Citizens who do not experience the symptoms of the disease may travel to a different location, except for closed sites and facilities, subject to basic hygiene rules, including a mask/mouth, nose cover, and provided they remain in the enclosure of the holiday home and minimize social contact;
• from March 24, 6.00, until April 1, 6.00, later extended, the Ministry of Health issued an extraordinary measure extending the ban on the free movement of persons in the Czech Republic, with the exception of, for example, travel to work or provision of basic necessities of life, such as the purchase of food. At the same time, it is ordered to restrict movement in publicly accessible places and to limit contacts with other persons to the necessary extent. A maximum of two persons were allowed to stay/meet in public spaces, except for members of a household, persons carrying out occupation, business or other similar activity or participate in a funeral, while keeping the distance of two meters if possible;
• on March 30, the Government extended the ban on free movement until April 11. Exemption from the obligation to wear a face mask newly applied to children below two years of age and members of one household driving in a car, public transportation drivers behind a shut door of a cabin;
• from April 7, exception from the obligation to wear a face mask is extended to outdoor sports activities, given that hygienic conditions are met, including the distance of two meters (otherwise face mask is obligatory); from April 20, small weddings (presence of up to 10 persons), attendance of university final year students in education or at exams, and outdoor trainings of professional sportsmen and women is allowed; from April 27, an exemption from the ban on free movement will also apply to attendance at services of religious worship (for up to 15 persons);
• the ban on free movement (with exceptions stated above) is currently in place until the end of the state of emergency is declared. Exemptions updated by the Ministry of Health;
• on April 23, the Government loosened restrictions and terminated ban on free movement. Small weddings, stays in nature, outdoor trainings for professional sportsmen, holy sermons for up to 15 persons are allowed. Up to 10 persons are allowed to meet/stay in public places, upon condition of 2m distance, hygienic measures. Exceptions remain for members of a household, persons carrying out occupation, business or other similar activity or participate in a funeral, while keeping the distance of two meters, effective from April 24.
• effective from May 1, the Government approved exceptions from the obligation to cover mouth/nose for children aged 2 to 7 during their stay in kindergartens, mentally handicapped persons, artists/performers (but they need to provide Covid-negative test every 14 days if the artwork/performance continues over a longer period of time) and professionals in media (listed professions, under stated conditions).

Arrangements for travel abroad and return to the country from abroad

• from 14 March 2020, the ban on entry into the territory of the Czech Republic applied to all foreigners coming from coronavirus risk countries, with the exception of foreigners staying temporarily over 90 days or residing in the Czech Republic and foreigners whose entry is in the Czech Republic's interest (exceptions set by the Ministry of the Interior);
• admission of applications for visa and temporary and permanent stays at embassies of the Czech Republic, with the exception of persons whose residence is in the interest of the Czech Republic, has been suspended;
• proceedings have been suspended in the cases of applications for short-stay visas which have not yet been decided on, with the exception of persons whose residence is in the interest of the Czech Republic;
• all proceedings on applications on the right to residence over 90 days submitted to diplomatic missions have been suspended;
• from 14 March 2020, a ban on entry into risk areas was imposed on citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days in the Czech Republic, with the exception of persons with an exemption;
• from 16 March 2020 0.00, the ban on entry into the territory of the Czech Republic applies to all foreigners (any foreign nationality, coming from any country) with the exception of foreigners staying temporarily over 90 days or permanent residence in the Czech Republic and with the exception of foreigners whose entry is in the interest of the Czech Republic;
• as of 16 March 2020, 0.00 shall be imposed on citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days in the Czech Republic forbidden to leave the Czech Republic with the exception of exempted persons;
• only commuters/cross-border workers who can prove that they are employed within 100 km (air distance) from the state border shall be allowed to cross borders;
• extraordinary measure stipulating that all citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days in the Czech Republic returning from coronavirus risk countries, with the exception of exemptions granted by the Minister of the Interior, are obliged from 13 March from 12.00 to report the fact, by telephone or other remote way, to their GP or GP of their child/adolescent child and spend 14 days in quarantine.
• the Government recommends to lorry and bus drivers, airline crews, engine drivers, train crews and mechanics, ship's captains and crew members and crews working for the road administration authority who transit or provide transportation services through risk areas, and who are exempted from the mandatory quarantine regulation, that they exercise extreme caution in risk areas and minimize contact with local personnel;
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs is assisting with returns home. Each returnee to the Czech Republic has to undergo the mandatory 2 weeks quarantine;
• foreign nationals with permanent residence or temporary residence in the Czech Republic over 90 days may depart the country without right to return for the duration of the state of emergency. Foreigners already legally present in the Czech Republic are allowed to stay for the duration of the state of emergency;
• exemptions apply for repatriation and transit or foreigners who wish to leave the country without return, etc;
• the government decided on April 7 that commuters/cross-border workers can stay and work abroad for two weeks only (instead of three weeks proposed earlier), followed by obligatory quarantine upon their return. i.e. regime „two weeks at work, two weeks at home“ OR for non-resident cross-border workers "two weeks in quarantine, at least two weeks at work", applicable from April 14 (the Ministry of the Interior set regimes for various groups of cross-border workers);
• from April 14, the so-called "24-hours-limit" is introduced for crossing borders and return for citizens who need to do so for business, medical or family reasons;
• from April 14, A diplomatic note of an embassy for cross-border workers in health and social services, workers of integrated rescue system (IRS) and workers of critical infrastructure subject
• after the ban on free movement was revoked from April 24, EU members states citizens (under conditions listed by the Ministry of the Interior) may enter the country and Czech citizens are allowed to leave the country (for holidays for example), but upon return they need to provide a certificate (not more than four days old) stating they are tested negative for Covid-19. Otherwise they will be obliged to undergo a 14-days-long quarantine.
• commuters/cross-border workers and newly cross-border students are allowed to cross the border on a daily basis (2+2 week rule was terminated), but need to provide a certificate stating they are tested negative for Covid-19 every 14 days. Otherwise they will be obliged to undergo a 14-days-long quarantine.
• for cross-border employees in health care, integrated rescue system, social services and critical infrastructure entities, the right to cross borders without quarantine upon return still applies. Therefore, these workers are not obliged to submit a negative test. The same applies to international transport staff, diplomats or cross-border travelers in exceptional cases of less than 24 hours.
• applicable from April 27. Until Sunday April 26, all earlier adopted measures are in force.
• Ministry of Foriegn Affairs does not recommend to travel or leave the Czech Republic, unless it is necessary.
• effective from May 1, the Government decided that cross-border workers need to provide a certificate stating they are tested negative for Covid-19 every 30 days (the measure from April 27 softened). Commuters crossing border to the Czech Republic without providing a negative Covid-19 test will have to be tested in the Czech Republic and provide the negative result within 72 hours to the local hygienic station, otherwise have to undergo quarantine. 
• Economic activity with stay up to 72 hours (this includes e.g. business meeting, business trip or one-time execution of the contract, not pendlers) must be documented upon entry to the Czech Republic by: confirmation of economic activity performance, or relevant documents (e.g. invitation to business meeting, business trip secondment or contract/order document), PCR testing results certificate. More. 

Questions and answers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the declaration of a state of emergency in connection with travel.

Information by the Ministry of the Interior. 

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Measures at national borders

• border controls with Germany and Austria and internal air borders have been reintroduced until further notice from 14 March 2020, 00.00. Currently until 4 May. Slovakia and Poland already reintroduced regimes at borders with the Czech Republic;
• the state border with Slovakia was closed by the decision of the Government of the Slovak Republic, Poland closed the border from Sunday 15 March, and the Czech Republic closed borders to Germany and Austria from March 16 until April 4, including air border, with exceptions for those commuting up to 100km (crow-fly distance) and providing certificate issued by their employer;
• all cross-border workers (commuters, so-called pendlers) are obliged to reduce their movement within the territory of the Czech Republic to meeting their necessary needs (exemptions include necessary visits or escorting family and relatives, assisting another person with their basic needs, or urgent official matters);
• from 21 March, commuters need the so-called cross-border worker's booklet, which will be stamped by the police on departure and return, and will serve to prove the frequency and regularity of crossing the border
• on March 23, the Government decided that cross-border workers/commuters to Germany and Austria who continue to work in these two countries can do so in a three-week intervals (i.e. find accommodation for 3 weeks in Germany/Austria). They will be placed into quarantine immediately after their arrival back in the Czech Republic. Conditions for commuters to Slovakia and Poland remain unchanged;
• from 26 March, cross-border workers are divided into different categories according to the border crossing point and the type of work carried out abroad. For example, a book of a cross-border worker is not required, and no quarantine is required upon return for medical personnel;
• on March 30, the Government decided that anyone returning to the Czech Republic from abroad (any country), will be placed into a 14-day long quarantine (with exemptions);
• the Government decided on April 7 that commuters/cross-border workers can stay and work abroad for two weeks only (instead of three weeks), followed by quarantine upon their return. i.e. regime „two weeks at work, two weeks at home“ OR for non-resident cross-border workers "two weeks in quarantine, at least two weeks at work", applicable from April 14;;
• from April 14, the so-called "24-hours-limit" is introduced for crossing borders and return for citizens who need to do so for business/occupation, medical or family reasons;
• from April 14, A diplomatic note of an embassy for cross-border workers in health and social services, workers of integrated rescue system (IRS) and workers of critical infrastructure subject
• after the ban on free movement was revoked from April 24, EU members states citizens (under conditions listed by the Ministry of the Interior) may enter the country and Czech citizens are allowed to leave the country (for holidays for example), but upon return they need to provide a certificate (not more than four days old) stating they are tested negative for Covid-19. Otherwise they will be obliged to undergo a 14-days-long quarantine.
• commuters/cross-border workers and newly cross-border students are allowed to cross the border on a daily basis (2+2 week rule was terminated), but need to provide a certificate stating they are tested negative for Covid-19 every 14 days. Otherwise they will be obliged to undergo a 14-days-long quarantine.
• for cross-border employees in health care, integrated rescue system, social services and critical infrastructure entities, the right to cross borders without quarantine upon return still applies. Therefore, these workers are not obliged to submit a negative test. The same applies to international transport staff, diplomats or cross-border travelers in exceptional cases of less than 24 hours.
• applicable from April 27. Until Sunday April 26, all earlier adopted measures are in force.
• Ministry of Foriegn Affairs does not recommend to travel or leave the Czech Republic, unless it is necessary.
• effective from May 1, the Government decided that cross-border workers need to provide a certificate stating they are tested negative for Covid-19 every 30 days. Commuters crossing border to the Czech Republic without providing a negative Covid-19 test will have to be tested in the Czech Republic and provide the negative result within 72 hours to the local hygienic station, otherwise have to undergo quarantine.
• Economic activity with stay up to 72 hours (this includes e.g. business meeting, business trip or one-time execution of the contract, not pendlers) must be documented upon entry to the Czech Republic by: confirmation of economic activity performance, or relevant documents (e.g. invitation to business meeting, business trip secondment or contract/order document), PCR testing results certificate. More. 

Information by the Ministry of the Interior. As of April 27, 2020.

See also a summary on the Government Official website.

Foreigners employed in the Czech Republic

• Foreigners, who were legally on the territory of the Czech Republic at the moment of the declaration of the state of emergency (March 12th, 2020), may continue to remain in the territory for the duration of the state of emergency without any need to resolve their residency status issues;
• Certificate of residence is not issued during the state of emergency;
• a work permit issued under the Employment Act and a short-term Schengen visa issued prior to the date of publication of this measure and expiring earlier than 60 days after the termination of the state of emergency is declared, shall be extended to expire 60 days after the termination of the state of emergency;
• this measure applies on condition that the foreigner will have a valid relationship in terms of labor law with the employer in the Czech Republic for the duration of the regulation;
• with effect from 16 March 2020, 00.00 am, the validity of work permits and residence permits and visas issued until the date of publication of this measure to persons in employment relationship with employers who provide services pursuant to Section 308 of Act no. No. 262/2006 Coll., Labor Code, as amended, or on the basis of another contract,  is extended for a period of up to 60 days after the termination of the state of emergency.

Information by the Ministry of the Interior.

See also a summary on the Government official website. 

Measures to ban cultural, sporting and other events and retail and services operations - from May 11 most retail establishments to be back in operation, events for up to 100 persons allowed

• from 16 March 00.00 ban on free movement of people was introduced;
• from 16 March theater, music, film and other artistic performances, sports, cultural, religious, community, dance, traditional and similar events and other gatherings, exhibitions, festivals, pilgrimages, shows, tastings, markets and fairs, educational events are prohibited until further notice, both public and private;
• on 13 March 2020, from 6.00, the public is also prohibited from visiting certain service providers - gyms, open-air swimming pools, solariums, saunas and other wellness services, music and social clubs, entertainment facilities, public libraries and galleries;
• with effect from 14 March 2020 06.00, the ban on public presence in service providers' premises extends to indoor swimming pools and tourist information centers;
• with effect from 14 March 2020 06.00, the ban on retail sales in marketplaces and open-air markets;

• with effect from 14 March 2020, the retail sale and sale of services in establishments shall be banned, with the exception of the following (full list of exceptions as of April 27) 
  • food,
  • motor fuel,
  • heating fuel,
  • sanitary goods, cosmetics and other drugstore goods,
  • pharmacies and dispensaries of medical devices,
  • small pets,
  • animal feed and other supplies,
  • glasses, contact lenses and related goods,
  • newspapers, magazines,
  • tobacco products,
  • laundry and dry cleaning services,
  • eshops/sales via the Internet and other remote means, while the goods and services being predominantly sold or offered at the establishment of the business;
  • from March 16, the government specified that the ban does not apply to car repair shops for up to 30 persons, towing services, spare parts for vehicles and manufacturing technologies, mail order services, gardening and agricultural products, public transportation ticket sale, spa facilities at least partially covered by public health insurance, funeral services, flower shops and establishments related to construction. The prohibition also does not apply to activities that are not trades under the Trade Licensing Act;
  • banks, including building societies, insurance companies, investment firms and other providers and legally regulated financial services intermediaries can continue to serve their clients. These entities may, at their option, limit the opening hours of their branches, outlets and establishments;
  • banned is the operation of driving schools, alternative taxis, taxis except food distribution or for supply purposes, banned are self-service laundries and dry cleaners, retail sale of construction products to general public and presence of general public at hobbymarkets. Gathering of general public at sports facilities is prohibited;
  • blue parking zones in towns and municipalities were revoked. Direct sale of tickets by train conductors was also banned;
  • open remain shops selling textile materials and haberdashery to ensure availability of material for home face mask sewing. Computer, telecommunications and electronics repair/service facilities remain open;
  • with effect from March 20, the ban on retail and service sales no longer applies to the activities of real estate agencies and the services of accounting and tax advisors;
  • from 26 March, the ban does not apply to locksmith services and household appliances repair services, maintenance and installation of household machinery or devices and carwash services; 
  • from 25 March, presence of all persons is banned in larger retail stores (over 500 m² of sales area) selling food, sanitary goods, cosmetics and other drugstore goods, medicaments and medical devices between 8:00 and 10:00, with the exception of persons over 65 years of age and the owners and employees of the stores; more frequent cleaning and disinfection (shopping baskets, handles, etc) were recommended. In stores below 500 m2, employees are obliged to prioritize the above-mentioned age group;
  • from April 2 until the end of state of emergency, accommodation services are allowed to accommodate guests, foreigners, who need to be accommodated for the purposes of work or business, ordered quarantine or find shelter from domestic violence; 
  • from April 2, retail establishments selling means of protection against the spread of the coronavirus (face masks, shawls, latex gloves, disinfection) and retailers able to separate selling food from selling other goods (conditions are specified) are exempted from the ban;
  • from April 7, outdoor sports grounds, parks and other public spaces can be used by for individual sport activities without a face mask, provided hygienic conditions are met, including the distance of 2 meters;
  • from April 9, the government decided to reopen selected retail operations, such as hobby markets, bike shops and repair services, or building material and hardware stores, ironmongeries, given that strict hygienic conditions, distancing of customers etc will be adhered to.
  • from April 20, tradespeople and open-air farmers' markets, (new as well as used) car dealers and showrooms, as well as craftsmen establishments are open.
• with effect from 14 March 2020 from 6:00 to 1 April 2020 to 6:00, the presence of the public in catering establishments is prohibited, with the exception of establishments not serving general public (eg employee canteens, catering for health and social services providers, prison facilities); this ban does not apply to sales outside the catering premises (eg fast food establishments with a drive-through or takeaway window or the sale of takeaway food without customer entering the establishment), which are allowed to continue to operate without time limit. Unpacked bakery products can be sold only under the conditions of customer distancing at an establisment where means for personal hygiene are available. Self-service food shops are obliged to provide their customers with a means of hand protection (gloves, plastic bag, etc)
• with effect from 14 March 2020 from 6:00 to 1 April 2020 to 6:00, the operation of catering establishments located within shopping malls with a sales area exceeding 5 000 m ² is banned;
• with effect from 14 March 2020 from 6:00 am, the operation of gambling rooms and casinos is banned pursuant to Act No. 186/2016 Coll., on Gambling, as amended

• On April 15, the Government introduced a five-stage plan to relax current restrictions starting Monday April 20. The plan eases restrictions in waves according to the size of the shops or nature of activities. For all waves, businesses will have to observe hygienic and safety measures strictly. The staged ease of restrictions will continue unless the number of newly infected Covid19 patients reaches 400 per day. If this occur, the government did not announce an exact response, but may freeze, reverse, or modify the plan. 

  1. On April 20, crafts trade, farmers' markets, car dealers and car showrooms will be allowed to operate. Outdoor training activities of professional athletes that exclude the public can resume. Weddings of up to 10 people will be allowed.

  On April 23, the Government decided to further accelerate (by 14 days) the softening of some  restrictions on retail and services, cultural, leisure, hospitality facilities

  2. On April 27 (originally planned for May 11), retail premises up to 2,500 m2 in size can open (unless situated in the shopping centers over 5,000 m2), driving schools, libraries, gyms and fitness centers (excluding changing rooms and showers) can reopen.

  3. On May 11, restaurants, pubs, cafes, wine and beer shops, selling over a take-away windows or at the outside gardens, barbers and hairdressers, pedicures, manicures, solariums, cosmetic, massage and reconditioning services, museums, galleries and zoos, botanical gardens can open. The Government decided on April 30 that theatres, cinemas, concert halls can re-open from May 11 and events for up to 100 people (cultural, sports events, weddings) will be allowed. Festivals and events for thousands of participants will not take place until the end of October 2020. Shopping malls over 5,000 m² (excluding playgrounds for children) to open on May 11, unless the epidemiological situation worsens.

  4. On May 25, all other shops (including those in the shopping centers of over 5,000 m2), restaurants, pubs, including indoor rooms, hotels and other accommodation facilities, indoor parts of castles, larger-scale cultural events, tourism facilities and zoos with indoor activities can open. 

   

Emergency measures and recommendations on the website of the Ministry of Health.

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Measures in the field of schooling and educational events

• from 13 March 2020, the personal presence of pupils in primary, secondary and higher vocational education in schools and educational facilities and in collective forms of teaching and examinations at universities and in the events organized by these schools was banned;
• personal presence in clinical and practical instruction and practice of university students were still permitted;
• from the same date, the personal presence of pupils in primary art education at art schools (ZUŠ) and language education at language schools entitled to provide a state language examination and at events organized by these schools is also prohibited;
• from 13 March 2020, the personal presence of persons in education for one-year foreign-language courses with full-time education in institutions registered in the list of educational institutions providing one-year foreign-language courses with full-time education under the State Social Support Act is also prohibited;
• the personal presence of children, pupils and students and other participants in non-formal education in non-formal education institutions and in competitions and shows organized for children, pupils and students in schools and school facilities is also prohibited;
• the Ministry of Education announced on March 23, that a single entrance examination for secondary schools for the 2020/2021 school year could take place no earlier than 14 days after government crisis measure concerning the closure of primary and secondary schools is abolished. The school-leaving examination (maturita) would then take place no earlier than 21 days after the reopening of secondary schools;
• from April 20, individual consultations and exams for students in their final year of university studies are allowed to take place. From April 27, all university students, not just final years, can rejoin the educational process, under given conditions (consultations for up to 5 students). From May 11, there can be up to 15 university students in a group.
• on May 11, secondary school students preparing for their final exams will return to school. The secondary graduation exams are to be held on June 1. Pupils in the final year of elementary school (9th grade) can voluntarily return to school for preparation for exams in groups of up to 15 students. The same rule (up to  15 students in a group) applies to arts, language schools or leisure time activities centers for youth, On May 25, elementary schools re-open for classes of up to 15 pupils.

Information from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Measures in international passenger and freight transport

• with effect from 14 March 2020, 00.00, all carriers in international road passenger transport provided by vehicles with a capacity of more than 9 persons are prohibited to carry passengers across the borders of the Czech Republic;
• from the same date, the same ban applies to carriers in international rail passenger transport and to carriers in cross-border inland waterway passenger transport;
• international air travel, rail travel, coach travel, boat travel and road travel is suspended (with exemptions).
• as part of commercial air transport of passengers crossing the border of the Czech Republic, carriers are prohibited from using airports other than Václav Havel International Airport in Prague-Ruzyně and Praha-Kbely;
• these measures do not apply to the return of Czech citizens and foreigners with permanent or temporary residence over 90 days in the Czech Republic to the Czech Republic, to the transport of empty buses, empty trainsets and empty vessels without passengers back to or outside the Czech Republic;
• the Minister of Transport may grant an exemption from this measure;
• the ban on lorries over 7.5 tonnes of weight driving on Czech roads and highways on Sunday and public holidays is lifted until further notice;
• the Government relaxed measures restricting international railway and bus transportation starting on May 11. The transportation companies will have to follow emergency measures of the foreign countries through which they travel. 

Detailed information of the Ministry of Transport 

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Measures in social and healthcare services

• during the period of emergency in connection with the occurrence of the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic, a duty was imposed on students enrolled in full-time studies at colleges and universities in the fields of education focused on social work and social pedagogy, social pedagogy, social and humanitarian work, social work, social-legal activity, charity and social activity or in the program focused on social work, social policy, social pedagogy, social care, social pathology, law or special pedagogy in order to ensure the provision of care in social services facilities;
• the government will impose a specific work obligation in cooperation with regional governors and the mayor of Prague;
• with effect from 16 March 2020 for the duration of the state of emergency, all social service providers operating a day care center are ordered to suspend the operation of these facilities; if necessary and to the extent necessary, they must provide clients with other appropriate social services in cooperation with municipalities;
• with effect from 10 March, visits of patients at facilities providing inpatient health services and social services in residential form are banned, exemptions are stated by the Ministry of Health;
• from March 16, imposed duty on students of the fifth and sixth years of full-time general medical education at the medical faculties of public universities and the last years of full-time or full-time study programs or fields of education preparing for the nurses, nurses, nurses to ensure the provision of health services to health service providers and to ensure the functioning of public health protection authorities for the duration of the emergency. Government has banned all doctors, dentists, pharmacists and medical staff from taking their leave during the state of emergency;
• from 17 March 2020, healthcare providers of acute inpatient care to reduce the planned medical interventions to ensure sufficient capacities (personnel, material and technical) for the treatment of patients with COVID19;
• clients of certain types of residential facilities of social care will not be allowed to take walks outside of the area of the facility, some types of social care facilities will be closed and administrative process for the provision of social care will be simplified. Persons over 70 years of age are not recomended to go outside their homes for the duration of the state of emergency. Exceptions are visits to a health facility to ensure emergency medical care. Municipalities are obliged to provide these persons with the necessary assistance, including the purchase of food and medicines;
• from March 17, the Government prohibited the distribution of all authorized medicinal products intended for the market in the Czech Republic to the member states of the European Union and further exports of these medicinal products to other countries outside the European Union;
• from March 18, all health service providers providing spa and rehabilitation care are forbidden to admit new patients. Ban on visits in hospitals and social care facilities (exemptions stated by the Ministry of Health) was newly extended to the presence of fathers at birth;
• from 18 March, all reexports of medicines and medicinal products registered for Czech market to the EU and the export of such outside the EU is forbidden;
• Health insurance companies are making every effort to ensure the necessary health care for the insured and stable funding of health service providers. They are also prepared to pay for contact with the patient, which is conducted electronically and is in accordance with the principle of providing health services at the corresponding professional level;
• on March 24, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic presented the present and the future development of COVID-19 epidemic data in the Czech Republic: Availability of intensive care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and UZIS data on pandemic management (further details attached below);
• new rules for facilities serving the elderly citizens were adopted. New rules for medical staff caring for patients with the Covid-19 disease were adopteed; 
• from March 31, only the distribution and export of authorized medicinal products intended for the treatment of COVID-19 is banned (measure from March 18 softened);
• on April 1, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic presented updated developments of COVID-19 epidemic data in the Czech Republic: Availability of intensive care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and UZIS data on pandemic management (further details attached below);
• on April 8, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic presented updated developments of COVID-19 epidemic data in the Czech Republic: Availability of intensive care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and UZIS data on pandemic management (further details attached below);
• on April 15, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic presented updated developments of COVID-19 epidemic data in the Czech Republic: Availability of intensive care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and UZIS data on pandemic management (further details attached below);
• on April 21, the Ministry of Health presented the plan for COVID-19 "Study of colective immunity SARS-CoV-2-CZ-Preval" (further details attached below);
• on April 23, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic presented updated developments of COVID-19 epidemic data in the Czech Republic: Availability of intensive care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and UZIS data on pandemic management (further details attached below);
• on April 23, the Government announced that spas will be allowed to admit new patients;
• the obligation to wear mouth/nose cover is still in place;
• from May restart of general inpatient and outpatient care;
• certain groups of students in medical and social care/services study fields are not obliged to participate in the fight against the virus anymore.
• timetable for easing restrictions on the health care and social care facilities. 

Information from the Ministry of Health and https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/

Information from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for social service providers and labor relations.

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Measures in the area of services for general public

• from 16 March 2020, 00:00 to 1 April 2020 to 6:00 public authorities perform services within the limits of the state of emergency measures, including distancing and limited personal contact. Opening hours of institutions' client centers were reduced to Monday and Wednesday to a maximum of three hours on a given day;
• the post office is open until 9:00 only for the elderly. International mail delivery is reduced. Other logistics companies - for example, Zásilkovna already assured on March 16, that its outlets were still working and dealing with shipments; 
• from April 6, Czech POINT workplaces will re-open (full working hours) so that people can deal with urgent official matters.
• from April 7, municipalities' representatives may hold sessions as long as they have respiratory protective equipment and keep a distance of two meters;
• from April 20, Czech Post offices and municipal offices will be open full working hours;

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Prison service measures

• with effect from 14 March 2020, 00.00 hours, for the duration of the state of emergency, visits of the accused in custody, convicted prisoners and inmates in detention facilities are banned.

The Ministry of Justice has introduced a number of other measures relating to the justice sector. 

Inclusion of coronavirus in the list of infectious diseases

• The Government approved an amendment to the Government Decree listing for the purposes of the Criminal Code what is considered to be contagious human diseases, contagious animal diseases, contagious plant diseases and pest crops, adding the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to the list of contagious human diseases;
• this means that the deliberate spread of new coronavirus will newly be a crime.

Information from the Ministry of Health

Economic recovery measures

Government Measures Supporting Business

Government Measures Supporting Employment or Individual Economic Revenue

Other Government Measures Supporting Economy

See also a summary on the Government official website.

Prague

• Prague City Hall decided that from March 17 0.00, passengers without covered nose and mouth will not be allowed to enter and use public transportation; holiday schedules for public transportation will be in place (metro from March 21, trams from March 23, reduced frequency for bus lines, airport bus connection, night connections); obligation to wear a face mask extends to medical, educational and other facilities;
• hotline for the elderly over 65 years of age 800 160 166, https://bezpecnost.praha.eu/udalosti/neco-se-deje_24_2_2020 including information in English;
• blue parking zones in place again from May 11
• Prague City Council approved the Agreement on the Establishment and Administration of the COVID Guarantee Fund Praha 2020, concluded by the City of Prague, the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (CMZRB) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
• The new economic support instrument COVID Praha for SMEs business will transfer CZK 600 million from the EU Operational Program PPR (OP Praha - Pol rustu CR) to CMZRB. CMZRB will then provide guarantees for commercial bank loans together with a financial contribution for interest payments. The condition will be the same as the COVID II program. The program will be launched on April 20. Application should be submitted starting April 21.
• Prague Councillors decided to waive all local fees and rents paid for using public space as restaurant gardens or farmer markets until the end of the year. The amount of waived fees and rental charges will exceed CZK 200 million. Prague will simplify the application procedures. 
• Prague representatives also waived the local residence fee for entrepreneurs providing accommodation in lodging houses, spa facilities and school accommodation facilities during the state of emergency. Prague will waive the local hotel fee until the end of 2020. 
• Last week, the Ministry of Trade announced plans for a COVID III Program to provide portfolio guarantees through commercial banks which will be applied also for Prague companies. The total amount of loans should exceed the COVID I and COVID II programs and should also include financial support provided by the City of Prague. The Program should start at the end of April. 

Brno

• the municipality restored office hours as of April 17
• blue parking zones in place again from April 28
• all details and updates are available at https://koronavirus.brno.cz/en/coronavirus-in-brno/ 

Further government updates in Czech and English. 

May 7, 2020