COVID-19: Overview of Current Restrictions at the UO

COVID-19: Overview of Current Government and Regional Regulations

• This section is updated on regular basis.

23^rd January 2023

As of January 23, 2023 there are still no plans of restrictions regarding COVID-19.

Entry into the Czech Republic is still not restricted with the exception of travellers from China, who must have a negative result of a covid test when entering the Czech Republic. This requirement is valid till January 31, 2022 and may be extended.

More information can be found here.

20^th July 2022

As of today, July 20, 2022, there are no plans of restrictions regarding COVID-19 from both public health authorities or the university management. Unless the situation gets worse and the government introduces safety measures, the studies will proceed normally, without hindrances.

Entry into the Czech Republic is still no longer subject to any special epidemiological conditions to prevent the spread of the disease.

14^th April 2022

As of today, April 14, 2022, it is no longer mandatory to wear a respirator in the public transport across the Czech Republic. Nowadays it is mandatory to wear the respirator only in health facilities and social service facilities.

Thanks to the favourable epidemic situation, the government has already repealed almost all measures against the spread of COVID-19.

Travelling to Czechia:

As of April 9, 2022, the protective measures regarding the conditions of entry into the Czech Republic in relation to the epidemic of COVID-19 have been suspended. Entry into the Czech Republic is no longer subject to any special epidemiological conditions to prevent the spread of the disease. The entry-ban for foreigners from third-countries and the obligation to prove infection-free status have been lifted (from the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic).

4^th March 2022

As of March 1, 2022, there are no limits when it comes to participants for the mass events, however, the current mask requirements still apply.

As of March 13, 2022, people will not have to wear the face masks (i.e. respirators) except for when using the public transport or at health and social care facilities.

14^th February 2022

As of February 9, unvaccinated people may again use all the services (e.g. restaurants, hairdressers, accommodation services, sports events, etc.); to have a confirmation of the vaccination is no longer necessary for the visit.

The mandatory testing of employees and students at primary and secondary schools will end on 18 February. The incidence rate throughout the country continues to fall. University students were excluded from the testing obligation due to the fact there was an examination period and they were not attending the classes.

A five-day quarantine after coming in touch with a person positively tested for COVID-19 will no longer be mandatory after 19 February. The quarantine for the positively tested will, however, be increased from five to seven days.

The obligation to wear the protection of airways (nose and mouth) is likely to gradually disappear in various places starting mid-March according to the plan of the Ministry of Health.

Restrictions on mass events:

Organization of concerts, performances, sports events, congresses, educational events and examinations (outside the regime of the Higher Education Act):

• Until 18. 2. 2022: a maximum of 1 000 seated participants at the same time (this does not apply in case of practical education or examinations),
• from 19. 2. 2022: a maximum of 500 participants, if they are not seated, or in case all the participants are seated, a maximum of 1 000; if the capacity of the space exceeds 1000 seated participants, a maximum of 50% of the maximum seating capacity may be filled out of the number of seats above 1000.

Other public and private events:

• Until 18. 2. 2022: at the same time, a maximum of 100 people may be present at an event,
• from 19. 2. 2022: at the same time, a maximum of 500 people may be present at an event.

5^th January 2022

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic ended on 26 December 2021.

COVID-19 tests, both antigen and PCR, are not acceptable as a proof of the infection-free status for all services (e.g. restaurants, hairdressers, accommodation services, sports events, etc.). People need to show the paper or electronic certificate of complete vaccination or recent COVID-19 infection. This does not apply to supermarkets or other stores. The exception is for those under 18 and those who have received a first dose of vaccine or got the second dose of vaccine less than 14 days ago. However, they have to simultaneously show a PCR test.

What has changed:

Restaurants:

• Only four people may sit by one table (except for the people from one household).

Parties:

• A maximum of 50 people is allowed to attend parties or celebrations (e.g. dances, festivals, house parties, parades, tastings, celebrations, etc.).

Mass events:

• There is a maximum capacity of 1000 seated people who must prove their infection-free-status. Organizers must check the certificates by scanning the QR codes.

Schools:

• Primary and secondary school students will be tested for COVID twice a week in the first 14 days of the new year, however, this does not apply to the university students.

26^th November 2021

The State of Emergency has been announced to start from midnight from Thursday to Friday, November 26, and will last for 30 days. This step will help with the implementation of some measures that will help to prevent other dramatic increase of positive COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic.

As of Friday, November 26, the following measures come into force:

• Christmas markets are banned, except for the sale of Christmas trees and carps.
• The consumption of alcohol in public and food in food courts in shopping malls are banned. Customers can only use the “take away” option.
• Pubs, restaurants and clubs must be closed during the night, from 22:00 until 4:55.
• A maximum of 100 people may take part in celebrations, parties and a maximum of 1000 people may attend cultural and sporting events. They also have to prove their infection-free status with a vaccination certificate or confirmation of disease in the last 180 days. There are exceptions for minors under the age of 18 and people who cannot be vaccinated due to contraindications.

19^th November 2021

As of Monday, November 22, the following new restrictions come into force. Please pay attention to them.

• COVID-19 tests, both antigen and PCR, will no longer be acceptable as a proof of the infection-free status, for all services (e.g. restaurants, hairdressers, accommodation services, sports events, etc.) people will need to show the paper or electronic certificate of complete vaccination or recent COVID-19 infection. This does not apply to supermarkets or other stores. The exception is for those under 18 and those who have received a first dose of vaccine or got the second dose of vaccine less than 14 days ago. However, they have to simultaneously show a PCR test.
• The preventive tests are not free, people need to pay for them, except for children under 18 years old, people with the first dose of vaccine or those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.
• University student dormitories will stop accepting COVID-19 self-testing kits. As a result, only the vaccinated, the recovered, and those with a PCR test not older than 72 hours and an antigen test taken in the past 24 hours will be accepted. Students will have to show the test at their dormitories once a week.

The quarantine time has been already shortened to 7 days if ended by a negative PCR test and respirators are still required at all indoor premises including workplaces.

25^th October 2021

• Employees have to wear respirators at workplaces. An exception is for employees who are alone in the office or for employees who are at the same time at the same place if there is a distance of at least 1,5 metres.
• The respirators are mandatory at mass events no matter the number of participants (before it was for events with more than 10 people).
• The quarantine period for people who were in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 is shorter - 10 days. However, it must be ended with a negative PCR test. Until now, the quarantine was two weeks long.

There will be further changes from November 1, 2021:

• The valid period of the PCR tests will newly be 72 hours (previously it was 7 days) and of the antigen test 24 hours (previously it was 72 hours).
• The preventive tests will also not be free anymore, people will need to pay for them, except for children under 18 years old, people with the first dose of vaccine or those who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.
• In restaurants, clubs and similar facilities the check of the infection-free status will be mandatory. Persons who do not prove their infection-free status will not be let in.

9^th September 2021

What restrictions are still valid? Below you can find their overview.

Face masks and respirators

• Mandatory in shops and shopping centres, services, public transport and all inside areas.
• Mandatory also during cultural and sport events.
• University students can put off the face masks only during classes when they are seated.

Shops and services

• A maximum of 6 people can sit by one table in a restaurant (does not apply to people from one household).
• Only people with the infection-free status are allowed to stay in a hotel, visit swimming pools or sport facilities.

5^th August 2021

As the epidemiological situation in Czechia is stable, the government has decided to further ease the anti-covid measures. Respirators remain mandatory in shops and shopping centres, services, public transport and all inside areas. The face masks are not mandatory outside.

Bars and nightclubs

• Dancing is again allowed in clubs.

Swimming pools

• The capacity is no longer limited.

Castles

• Organized groups up to 20 people. People do not need to prove with infection-free status certificates.

Sports and cultural events

• For the outdoor events, the capacity is now 7000 people; for the indoor events it is 3000 people.
• Visitors must have a test or vaccination or had covid in last 180 days.
• The distance between standing visitors is now 1,5 metres.
• The capacity for children events is 1000 people inside and 2000 outside.
• Groups of athletes in sports training are no longer limited by their number.

1^st July 2021

There will be the following changes in the anti-covid measures connected to travelling as of July 9, 2021, due to the spread of the delta variant:

• For the infection-free status, full vaccination will be needed (necessary is to have two weeks after the second dose of vaccine). The infection-free status is needed for example when visiting restaurant or a cultural event. People with one dose of vaccine will, therefore, need a test.
• Test for COVID-19 will be necessary after returning to Czechia from all countries. From green and orange countries at least an antigen test will be required, this will not be applicable for those fully vaccinated or those who had COVID-19 infection in the last 180 days. People will also have to fill in the arrival form.

30^th June 2021

Some of the changes in the anti-covid measures as of June 30:.

• Indoor swimming pools, wellness centres and saunas are allowed to fill up to 75% (previously it was 50%) of their capacity. Their visitors do not have to wear face masks.
• Cultural events: Up to 5000 people may now attend outdoor events and up to 2000 people may attend indoor events (or a maximum of 75% of the venue capacity, whichever is lower).
• Live music may be performed in clubs and restaurants, however, dancing is still forbidden.
• End of compulsory testing of employees in companies.
• Respirators will no longer be mandatory outside (they stay mandatory at mass events, in public transport and indoors).

8^th June 2021

Below you can find an overview of the current state of the measures in the Czech Republic.

As of June 8, 2021:

Cultural events

• Indoor and outdoor cultural events will be allowed to have up to 1000 and 2000 spectators (with only half of the auditorium being occupied). As of June 14, the number of spectators at outdoor cultural events will not be limited anymore but the area for spectators without seats must have at least four square meters per spectator. For indoor events, half of the seats in the auditorium will have to remain unoccupied.
• People can drink and eat at the events, however, they cannot eat or drink in the auditorium.
• People are still obliged to wear face masks and need to have a negative test, three weeks from the first dose of vaccination or a maximum of 180 days from recovery from COVID-19.
• Theatres, cinemas, concert halls and circuses were able to open as of May 24.
• Indoor places of zoos and botanical gardens may reopen and may be filled up to 50 % of their capacity.

Restaurants:

• Outdoor and as of May 31, also indoor premises of restaurants could reopen. There must be only as many guests as there are available seats and a maximum of 4 people by one table. Guests need to have a negative test (self-testing is possible), three weeks from the first dose of vaccination or a maximum of 180 days from recovery from COVID-19.

Hotels:

• Hotels can reopen to tourists, upon arrival the guests have to present a negative PCR or antigen test not older than 48 hours, a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days. With a negative test, the guests will be able to stay for seven days, for longer stays the test will need to be repeated.

Swimming Pools:

• Indoor swimming pools, wellness centres and saunas may open but they can be filled up to 50% of their capacity. Their visitors will not have to wear face masks.

Schools:

• Neither students nor teachers have to wear face masks during classes in all Czech regions except for Zlín, South Bohemia and Liberec regions as of June 8.
• The masks remain mandatory during breaks and in common premises.

Vaccination:

• Foreigners from the EU or third countries with long-term residence in the Czech Republic may register for COVID vaccination as of week's end. As they are not part of the public health system, they will need to pay for the vaccine themselves. They will get the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the price of the vaccine and its application will not exceed 850 CZK.

17^th May 2021

As of Monday, May 17, the following measures will be eased.

• Outdoor areas of cafes, pubs and restaurants will reopen, the opening hours may be from 6:00 till 21:59. Guests must be tested, vaccinated or prove that they underwent the COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days. The PCR test cannot be older than one week, the antigen test cannot be older than three days. The responsibility is put on the guests, there might be checks by the police or hygienists. A maximum of four people will be able to sit at one table (except for people from one household).
• Various cultural events will be allowed to take place outside, e.g. theatres, concerts, with a maximum of 700 spectators or 50% of the seats capacity. The same is for the sports events. Inside events are not allowed. All visitors must have a COVID test, have at least 14 days from vaccination or a maximum of 90 days from undergoing COVID infection. The snacks and drinks are prohibited.
• The indoor premises of ZOOs and botanical gardens remain closed, however, they can fill up to 50 % of their capacity in the outdoor premises.
• Fitness centres may reopen under strict anti-covid measures. Visitors must show negative test, vaccination certificate or a document proving that they underwent a COVID infection. Visitors cannot use the changing rooms or bathrooms.

10^th May 2021

As of Monday, May 10, all the remaining retail segments and most of the services closed so far will be able to open.

Universities:

• Clinical and practical classes and internships in the remaining fields of education will commence at universities.

Face masks:

• People do not need to wear a face mask outside anymore, they need to keep it only in places where there are two or more people less than two metres apart, e.g. at the bus or tram stops.

Restaurants, theatres, cinemas, fitness centres, swimming pools or hotels remain closed; the restaurants may still operate on the take away basis only.

3^rd May 2021

As of Monday, May 3, more students return to schools and some services, such as hairdressers, barbershops, pedicures, manicures and similar services, reopen.

• In the regions with the lowest infection rates (Prague, Hradec Králové, Plzeň, Karlovy Vary, Central Bohemia, Liberec and Pardubice) students in the upper grades of elementary school are returning to the classes in rotation. All children can also return to the kindergartens in these regions.
• Museums, galleries can open in Prague and six other regions under strict sanitary rules.

It is expected that all stores and services in the Czech Republic will be able to open on May 10.

26^th April 2021

The Czech Government has introduced a plan to restart “normal life” from May. Shops and selected services should reopen depending on the number of newly infected per 100 000. The target for individual regions is to have the number of people infected with  Covid-19 below 100 per 100 000 inhabitants for the last seven days.

From Monday, April 26:

• practical teaching will be resumed in secondary schools and the last years of universities.

12^th April 2021

As expected, the State of Emergency ended on April 11, 2021.

From Monday, April 12, 2021 there are the following changes in the anti-epidemic measures.

• The restrictions of free movement of people and the night curfew ended. People can travel among districts again.
• A maximum of 2 people can gather indoors and also a maximum of 2 people outdoors. There is an exception for people from one household or co-workers.
• Shops - The following shops opened: shops with children clothes and shoes, stationery stores, farmer markets, dry cleaners and laundries, appliance repair shops, car spare parts shops. The shops may be open between 6:00 and 22:00.
• The outdoor premises of ZOOs and botanical gardens opened. They can fill up to 20 % of their capacity.
• Schools - Children from the first grades of primary schools and pre-school children returned to schools and kindergartens with face masks being mandatory only in primary schools. The return of university students from the final years to practical courses and laboratory exercises has been postponed.

7^th April 2021

It is expected that some of the current restrictions will be eased from Monday, April 12, 2021.

The State of Emergency will end together with the restrictions of free movement of people and the night curfew. People will be able to travel among districts again.

Shops

The following shops will open:

• shops with children clothes and shoes,
• stationery stores,
• farmer markets,
• dry cleaners and laundries,
• appliance repair shops,
• car spare parts shops.

The shops may be open between 6:00 and 22:00.

The outdoor premises of ZOOs and botanical gardens will be able to open as well, however, they can fill up to 20 % of their capacity.

Schools

Only children from the first grades of primary schools and pre-school children will return to schools and kindergartens with face masks being mandatory only in primary schools.

University students from the final years will be able to attend practical courses and laboratory exercises as of April 19, 2021.

The Czech government does not seek to prolong the State of Emergency and will rely on the pandemic laws to regulate the anti-pandemic measures.

29^th March 2021

As expected, the State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended until April 11, 2021. All the current restrictions remain valid as well.

22^nd March 2021

The government has extended all the current restrictions to March 28, 2021, and will seek to extend them even further together with extending the State of Emergency which is now valid until March 28, 2021.

There are only some minor changes, for example:

• people still cannot move between districts, however, they are now able to do sports and stay outdoors in their whole respective home districts.
• runners and cyclists do not have to wear a face mask as even in town built-up areas if they keep at least two-meter distance from other people.

It is expected to ease the restrictions after Easter.

1^th March 2021

As of Monday, March 1, 2021:

• the Czech government has restricted the free movement between districts until March 21, 2021. The government asks people to stay home except for essential travels. Only trips to the shops, trips to nature and sports within the same district are allowed. People can still travel to work even to a different district.
• the exemptions for retail shops and services has been reduced. Only food stores, drugstores, pharmacies, opticians and florists are allowed to remain open.
• at least a surgical mask, respirator or similarly protective device is mandatory in the built-up areas of cities.
• in the most risky places, such as shops or public transport, two surgical masks are no longer an option. People have to wear at least respirator FFP2 or nano-filter mask. The respirator becomes mandatory at work as well. Employees will be able to take it off only if they are alone in their workplace.

The new extraordinary measures follow the newly declared State of Emergency valid from February 27, 2021 for 30 days until March 28. The night curfew between 21:00 and 5:00 remains valid.

22^nd February 2021

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended to February 28, 2021. The current measures remain in force as well.

Furthermore, from Thursday, February 25, 2021, respirators FFP2 will become mandatory in shops, public transport and hospitals. Nano-filter face masks or two surgical masks at once can be used as an alternative.

From the beginning of March, 2021, respirators or at least one surgical mask will be mandatory in all public spaces where the distance of two metres between people cannot be guaranteed. Textile home-made masks are no longer considered as a sufficient protection due to the British mutation of the virus which is more infectious.

29^th January 2021

New protective measures will be valid from Saturday, January 30, and will be applied to:

• accommodation services – which can be only used by people on business trips and not by their family members as well. They will also need a written confirmation from their employer for this purpose.
• holiday houses or cottages - people may visit their holiday houses or cottages, however, only members of one household should stay there.
• ski lifts and cabins – may not be used by skiers and hikers but only by the integrated emergency system.
• farmer’s markets – must be closed.

22^nd January 2021

Stationery shops and children clothing and footwear shops have been opened from Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Other stores, schools (except for first and second grades of elementary schools) and restaurants remain closed.

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended to February 14, 2021. The current measures remain in force as well.

4^th January 2021

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended to January 22, 2021.

The Czech Republic is currently in the fifth level of the PES anti-epidemic system.

All restaurants and most shops and services are closed. A maximum of two people (except for the ones from one household) may gather and there is a night curfew between 21:00 and 5:00. Fitness centres, swimming pools and indoor sports venues are banned as well. Hotels cannot provide accommodation for recreational purposes.

18^th December 2020

New lockdown measures are taking effect today, December 18, across the country as the Czech Republic moves from the third to the fourth level of the PES anti-epidemic system.

• The night curfew is back from 23:00 to 5:00.
• Pubs and restaurants will be closed. They may still operate through the take away windows.
• Fitness centres, swimming pools and indoor sports venues will be banned as well.
• Hotels cannot provide accommodation for recreational purposes.
• Some ski lifts will start operating as of today, however, there is no accommodation and restaurant services available in the ski areas, only take away windows.

There are exemptions for midnight mass (only one fifth of the church seats can be occupied) and the shops which will remain open.

30^th November 2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, the Czech Republic will move from the fourth to the third level of the PES anti-epidemic system, therefore, the lockdown measures will be loosened.

• All shops and service providers may reopen, however, some restrictions still remain in place, e.g. the limit of one person per 15 m2 and at least two metres between customers. Food courts in shopping malls may reopen (only take-away) but children’s corners have to remain closed. Shops stay open even on Sundays again.
• Restaurants may reopen as well from 6:00 to 22:00 at 50 % capacity and a maximum of four guests at a table.
• The curfew will be lifted.
• Christmas markets may take place.
• Hairdressers and salons may reopen; hairdressers have to wear a mask but not a shield.
• Museums and galleries may reopen at 25 % capacity. Cinemas and theatres must remain closed.
• Libraries may reopen under the same guidelines as shops.
• Mass events may take place with a limit of 50 people outdoors and 10 people indoors.
• Recreational sports may be played without limit outdoors and with a maximum of 10 people indoors.
• Swimming pools and wellness centres may reopen.

These regulations are expected to remain in effect through Christmas.

Face masks are still required at all indoor locations and outdoor locations if a distance of 2 meters between people cannot be kept.

23^rd November 2020

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended to December 12, 2020, therefore, the current measures remain in force as well.

However, some restrictions will be slightly relaxed from Monday, November 23, 2020. The Czech Republic moves from the fifth to the fourth level of the PES anti-epidemic system.

• The night curfew will move to 23:00, instead of 21:00. The shops can close at 23:00 as well.
• Gatherings up to six people are allowed in public spaces.
• The same rules will apply to farmer’s markets as those for normal shops. This means 15 m² per person. A ban on Sunday sales remains in effect.
• Small shops remain closed and according to the Minister of Health, Jan Blatný, should not reopen at least until November 30, 2020.

18^th November 2020

The latest anti-COVID measure limits the number of people in the shops to one person per 15 m². This measure is effective from Wednesday, November 18.

First and second grades students are coming back to the elementary schools today. Other grades will follow depending on the development of the epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic which has been assessed by the new five-level risk assessment anti-epidemic system (PES).

2^nd November 2020

The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended to November 20, 2020, therefore, the current measures remain in force as well.

27^th October 2020

Czech government has introduced night curfew and limited opening hours of shops in order to slow down the spread of the COVID-19

• As of October 28, people will not be able to leave their homes between 21:00 and 4:59. Of course, there are some exceptions, for example for people travelling to/from work and walking their dogs.
• Retail shops must close at 20:00 from Monday to Saturday and must be closed completely during Sunday with the exception of pharmacies, gas stations and shops at the airports or railway stations.
  Take out windows of the restaurants and food delivery services may operate during Sunday as well.
• Spas remain open only for people who have the spa care prescribed for medical reasons.
• Farmer markets are allowed to sell fruit, vegetables, milk, bread, dairy and confectionery products, however, the markets are allowed to have a maximum of 20 people in the area (per 400 square metres). The stalls must be two metres apart and people cannot consume the food and drinks in the market area.
  
  

The measures will be effective until the end of the State of Emergency on November 3, however the government is likely to ask for its prolongation.

21^st October 2020

Important: New anti-COVID-19 lockdown measures to close shops and services as of Thursday, October 22

Following a record rise in new COVID-19 cases, new lockdown measures have been announced at a press conference today.

From Thursday, October 22, all shops (with the exception of grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies and shops providing necessary goods) and services as hairdressers, nail salons and venues providing similar services, have to close. In the big shopping malls only the previously mentioned shops can remain open and the groups will be limited to a maximum of two people. Additionally, people should take only necessary travels, such as travelling to work or to buy food and other supplies.

However, going outside to the nature is still recommended to get exercise and some fresh air.

The new measures will last until the end of the current State of Emergency – November 3, 2020.

20^th October 2020

The Czech Minister of Health has announced that face masks will be required even outdoors for those less than two metres apart in cities, town and villages as of Wednesday, October 21. There is an exemption for people playing or practising sports.

People travelling in one car are also required to wear a face mask if they are not family members or do not share a household.

13^th October 2020

Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 infection cases, the Czech government announced additional measures to be effective from Wednesday, October 14.

• There will be closure of pubs, bars and restaurants. They may still operate on a delivery and takeaway basis, however even the takeaway windows must close by 20:00.
• The lower grades of primary schools will be closed as well and will switch to distance learning. Kindergartens will remain open.
• Student dorms should be closed for students with permanent residence elsewhere in the Czech Republic. There are exceptions for students with mandatory work duties, medical students helping out in hospitals or those involved in training practice. International students may stay at the dorms.
• The consumption of alcohol is banned in public places.
• The obligation to wear a face mask will be extended to all train, tram and bus stations.
• Both indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to six people.

The additional measures should last till November 3, 2020. By that date, they might be re-evaluated, extended or modified taking into account the development of the epidemiological situation.

9^th October 2020

New Czech Anti-COVID Measures

New measures to prevent the spread of the virus in our country have been introduced. Some of them will go into effect immediately from Friday, other from Monday, October 12, 2020.

The new measures will affect the leisure and cultural activities.

From Friday, October 9, 2020:

• Indoor swimming pools, gyms and fitness centres must close.
• Restaurants must close by 20:00 and a maximum of 4 people can sit by one table.
• In the food courts areas in shopping centres a maximum of 2 people can sit by one table. Public Wi-Fi will not be available there. Also a group of maximum of 2 people can enter the shopping centre.

From Monday, October 12, 2020 for 14 days (then they will be either extended or relaxed):

• All theatres and cinemas must close as well as all other venues organizing cultural events.
• Zoos will have to be closed.
• No visits to health and social care facilities are allowed except for precisely specified cases.
• Indoor events will be limited to 10 people, outdoor to 20. There is an exception for employees, entrepreneurs and business meetings.
• Professional team sports events are put on hold with the exception of international matches which can take place without spectators. Amateur sport events may take place only outside.
• Public offices will limit their office hours for public to two days a week and five hours a day.
• Secondary schools and universities will switch to online learning if have not already done so. The practical and clinical training is an exception. Upper grades of primary schools will split pupils into two groups which will take turns in in-school and distance learning.
• There will be two additional days off for the students on Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27. October 28 is a national holiday.

1^st October 2020

The Czech Government has approved a State of Emergency

The State of Emergency will go into effect from Monday, October 5, 2020, and will last for 30 days. It will help the government to implement new measures quickly. The new measures will not be as strict as during the spring. The State of Emergency does not mean closing borders or restricting movement.

New measures from Monday, October 5:

• The secondary schools from red or orange districts in the Czech traffic light map will switch to distance learning.
• The gathering of people will be limited to 10 people for outside events and 20 for indoor events. Swimming pools, gyms, court and official proceedings are exempt from this limit.
• Theatres and cinemas remain open for visitors (maximum of 500), however consumption of food and beverages will not be allowed.
• The opera and musicals are banned now for 14 days.
• At the bars and restaurants maximum of 6 people can sit by one table.
• Leisure sports for up to 20 people are allowed.
• Up to 130 people can be present at professional sports matches.

From October 19:

• For weddings and funerals there will be limit of 30 people.
  
  

22^nd September 2020

• According to the Extraordinary Measure of the Regional Public Health Authority of the Moravian Silesian Region, the personal presence of the university students at the classes is banned, except for the individual visits of libraries, consultation, examination and practical training. This measure is valid from September 23, 2020, to October 31, 2020.
• According to another Extraordinary Measure of the Regional Public Health Authority of the Moravian Silesian Region, the face mask is mandatory at the outside events with more than 100 people.
  
  

17^th September 2020

New stricter measures in the whole Czech Republic

From Friday, September 18:

• Indoor standing-room events attended by more than ten people are banned. In the restaurants and bars there cannot be more people than available seats. However, this measure does not apply to exhibitions, markets and similar events. For events with sitting participants, the tickets must be sold for particular seats. People are required to wear the face mask except for the time when they are eating or drinking.
• Face masks will be mandatory even in classrooms with the exception of 1st to 5th grades, however, even these students have to wear the mask in the common areas of school.
• From Friday midnight, all pubs, bars and restaurants have to be closed between the midnight and 6:00.
  
  

10^th September 2020

Confirmed: Masks are back inside in the whole Czech Republic

• As a response to the deteriorating epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic, wearing a mask inside is mandatory from Thursday, September 10, in the whole Czech Republic. The public indoor spaces include the public transport, shops, public offices, post offices, indoor events (regardless of the number of participants), common areas at schools, workplaces (if the 2-metre distance cannot be ensured), public offices and restaurants (if you are not consuming food).
• From September 9, Prague’s restaurants and bars have to be closed between midnight and 06:00.
  
  

18^th August 2020

Coronavirus in the Czech Republic: Safety measures including the face masks will be re-introduced from 1 September

• The Czech Minister of Health has announced that the face masks will be mandatory again in most public indoor spaces including public transport, shops, public offices, post offices, indoor events (regardless of the number of participants – the maximum capacity for indoor events is still set at 500 people), common areas at schools (not in the classrooms), etc., in the whole Czech Republic. The face masks will not be mandatory at workplaces, offices and restaurants. It is predicted that the situation in Autumn will be difficult with children returning to schools and other seasonal respiratory diseases.

Quarantine for symptoms-free patients reduces from 14 to 10 days

• This new regulation takes effect on 24 August. Furthermore, no COVID test will be required for leaving the isolation. Those who have come into contact with an infected person will have to stay in the quarantine for ten days if showing no symptoms.
  
  

14^th August 2020

Moravian-Silesian Region: Face masks no longer mandatory in the indoor areas

• The Regional Public Health Authority of the Moravian-Silesian Region has announced that from Friday, 14 August, 12:00, the face masks will no longer be mandatory in the indoor areas and public transport, except for Frýdek-Místek dictrict (i.e. Bruntál, Krnov, Rýmařov, Frýdek-Místek, Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, Jablunkov and Třinec).
  
  

4^th August 2020

• The Ministry of Health introduced a four-colour risk map which shows the level of epidemiological risk in the individual regions. White colour (very low or no risk) is followed by green, yellow and red (high risk). Currently, there are nine areas at level one – green colour, these are Prague, Prague-West, Prague-East, Ostrava, Karviná, Frýdek-Místek, Brno, Jihlava and Prachatice. The map will be updated once a week.
  
  

27^th July 2020

Face masks are back in the whole country

• From Saturday, July 25, the face masks are mandatory in the whole country, however, only at indoor mass cultural or sporting events of over 100 people, as well weddings and funerals. From Monday, July 27, the maximum capacity of such events will be limited to 500 people. Stricter measures in the Moravian-Silesian Region stays, i.e. the face mask is mandatory in all indoor areas, public events can be organized for a maximum of 100 people and bars and restaurants have to be closed between 23:00 and 08:00.
  
  
• A “traffic light” system will be implemented for the Czech Republic. Each colour will indicate specific measure that should be taken for the protection of public health in the particular region. The system is proposed as regional because the situation in individual regions considerably differs. The Ministry of Health collaborated on this system with the epidemiologists and the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (UZIS).
  
  

20^th July 2020

Face masks in Moravian-Silesian Region are back

• Wearing of face masks is mandatory again in interior spaces and public transport in Moravian-Silesian Region, this measure was announced on Friday, effective immediately. The public events can be organized for a maximum of 100 people and bars and restaurants have to stay closed between 23:00 and 08:00. Cross-border workers are required to have a negative test every two weeks.
  
  These restrictions have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus from Karviná to other parts of the region.
  
  

1^st July 2020

• The situation in the Czech Republic is stable and under control. The localized COVID-19 outbreaks are being monitored, currently they are in Prague and Karviná where some of the restrictions will stay.
  
  Prague – People have to wear the face mask during indoor events with more than 100 visitors and in the subway. It is not mandatory in trams and buses.
  
  Karviná, Frýdek-Místek, Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, Jablunkov, Bohumín, Havířov, Orlová, Český Těšín and Třinec – People have to wear the face mask in all indoor areas and in the public transport. Public events, both indoor and outdoor, can be organized for a maximum of 100 people. A maximum of 100 people can be at the aquaparks at the same time as well. The restaurants have to be closed from 23:00 to 8:00.
  
  Ostrava and other parts of the Moravian-Silesian Region – People only need to wear the face masks at events with more than 100 people, otherwise, they can put them off.
  
  

22^nd June 2020

• From Monday, June 22, the public events can be organized for up to 1000 people or 5000 people at the same time but divided into separate sectors with max of 1000 people in each of them.
  
  

From July 1:

• People can put off their face masks even inside and in the public transport, however, the face masks will still remain in place in areas of localized COVID-19 outbreaks (for now in Prague and Karviná).
  
  
• The pubs and restaurants will be allowed to remain open after 23:00, currently they have to stay closed between 23:00 – 6:00.
  
  
• Cinema and theatre visitors can consume their refreshment inside.
  
  

15^th June 2020

From June 15:

• People can buy snacks at farmer's markets. The refreshment will be offered also in theatres and cinemas, however, people cannot take it to the screening area.
  
  
• The Czech Ministry of Health published a new “traffic light map” which shows countries that Czech residents can safely travel to in green. The residents can travel to and from these countries without the need of undertaking the COVID test or 14 days quarantine. Orange countries have an average risk of COVID-19 infection and in red countries there is still a high risk of infection.
  More information
  
  
• The epidemiologists will continue to discuss the masks-wearing measures. There is still an obligation to wear the mask inside of buildings and on public transport. It is no longer an obligation to wear the masks outside.
  
  

8^th June 2020

Restrictions are being further relaxed.

• The public events can be organized for up to 500 people. Visitors to theatres, cinemas and concert halls do not have to keep their distance, however, they still need to wear the face masks.
  
  
• You do not have to wear the face mask by swimming pools. Face masks continue to be mandatory at indoor locations including public transport vehicles.
  
  
• Dedicated shopping hours for elderly people have been cancelled.
  
  

25^th May 2020

• From May 25, people do not have to wear the face masks outside, however, they still need to put them on in the public transport, shops and other places where they cannot be at least two meters away from other people who do not live in the same household with them. There are exceptions for example for children in kindergartens, students in school, people working in hot environment and people working in offices.
  
  
• Indoor areas of restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen as well as food facilities in the shopping malls. They have to close at 11 pm the latest and cannot reopen until 6 am. The restaurant's staff is responsible for sufficient safety rules. Contactless payment is recommended.
  
  
• Theatres, castles and other cultural facilities can also open, the events can be held for up to 300 people.
  
  
• What else reopens: hotels, campsites, pools, aquaparks, saunas, tattoo salons, beauty salons, inside areas of zoos and botanical gardens.
  
  

19^th May 2020

• The state of emergency ended on May 18.
  
  
• Face masks in an office is no longer mandatory, however office workers will need to keep a two-meter distance from their co-workers.
  
  
• Many of the Czech anti-COVID-19 restrictions, including wearing face masks in public, will stay in force until May 25.
  
  

11^th May 2020

• The Czech government has decided to end the mandatory requirement to wear a face mask in outdoor public spaces on May 25. Face masks will still be required in indoor areas where people congregate, which includes public transportation vehicles, shops and malls, cinemas, theaters, and other places.
  
  
• Additionally, social distancing measures will remain in effect, requiring anyone not from the same household to keep two meters distance while outdoors. Face masks will still be required for outdoor events and gatherings where people from  different households are closer than two meters apart.
  
  
• As of Tuesday 12 May, persons during entrance exams for high schools and universities or during daily classes at one-year foreign language courses or when providing counselling services will not have to wear protective masks. The exception applies only if the distance between attendants is at least 1.5 meters and with the maximum number of 15 persons in one room.
  
  
• An accelerated plan to relax restrictions on businesses and other activities is valid:
  as of 11 May – shops in shopping centres, business premises over 2,500 m2, beauty services, museums, galleries, outdoor premises of castles and chateaus, outdoor training activities for professional athletes without public access, all theatres, cinemas and circuses may now be opened (max 100 persons); restaurants can open their gardens while serving food there;
  as of 25 May – restaurants, accommodation services, taxi services, tattoo salons, theatres, cultural and sporting events, weddings, indoor expositions of zoological gardens.
  
  
• According to the Czech government, as of Monday 11 May, cross-border public transportation is allowed again with the exception of air traffic which still remains limited. The rules for the entry of foreigners into the Czech Republic will be relaxed. Seasonal employees or holders of long-term visas will now be able to entry the Czech Republic. Each person will have to submit a negative test for COVID-19 upon arrival.
  
  

28^th April 2020

• The Czech government agreed on the prolongation of the State of emergency until May 17.

24^th April 2020

• Updates on the free movement as of April 24, 2020
  • Groups of a maximum 10 people can gather in the public areas
  • Groups of maximum 10 people can gather for sports outdoors and in the nature
  • Groups of maximum 10 professional athletes are allowed to train without face masks
  • Weddings can be attended by maximum of 10 people
    
    
• Travelling: Citizens of the Czech Republic and foreigners with permission to enter the Czech Republic have two options for arrival into the Czech Republic: present a negative coronavirus test upon the return or be subject to two-week quarantine. The test must not be older than four days. Commuters will be able to cross the borders every day, however, they have to submit a negative test for COVID-19 every 14 days.
  
  
• According to the Minister of Health, the Czech Republic has managed to stop the uncontrolled spread of the COVID-19. The situation is developing very well and we can prepare for a return to normal lives in the upcoming weeks.
  
  
• The government also speeds up its plan to ease the COVID-19 preventative measures by two weeks. Most businesses and restaurants will be opened by May 25. From Monday, April 27, shops smaller than 2500 m2 will be able to open, as well as fitness centres, libraries and outdoor zoos exhibits.
  
  
April 27
• Stores up to 2,500 m² (except those in the shopping centres)
• Driving schools
• Gyms and fitness centres (the customers will not be allowed to use their changing rooms and showers)
• Zoos (outdoor areas only)
  
  
May 11
• Outdoor areas of cafes, pubs and restaurants
• Hairdressers
• Beauty salons
• Museums, galleries, exhibition halls
  
  
May 25
• Shopping centres
• Restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Hotels, hostels, (including their restaurants)
• Castles and palaces
• Bookstores
• Cinemas and theater
• It will be possible to hold events for up to 50 people
• Tattoo and piercing salons
  
  

14^th April 2020

• A five-step plan for re-opening shops, services and restaurants was announced today by the Czech government. However, the dates might still be changed based on the current development of the COVID-19 situation in the Czech Republic.
  
  
• The plan starts on Monday, April 20, with opening of farmers markets, car shops and showrooms and training facilities for professional sportsmen. Weddings with less than 10 people will be also allowed to take place.
  
  
• From April 27, shops smaller than 200 m² in size will be allowed to open (except for the shops located in the shopping centres).
  
  
• From May 11, shops up to 1000 m² in size will be allowed to open (except for those located in the shopping centres), as well as driving schools. Gyms will also be allowed to open but customers will not be allowed to use their changing rooms and showers.
  
  
• From May 25, outdoor areas of cafes, pubs and restaurants will be able to open together with the services like barbershops, hairdressers, pedicure and manicure facilities, spas, museums, galleries and zoos (outdoor areas only).
  
  
• From June 8, cafes, pubs and restaurants will be able to provide their full services. Shopping malls over 5000 m² in in size will be able to open and well as theatres and castles. Weddings for unlimited number of guests and events for up to 50 people will be possible. The cinemas are expected to be opened from June 8 as well.
  
  
• Each place which is going to be re-opened must follow strict sanitary regulations. People are still required to wear face masks. Schools will also open gradually.
  
  

7^th April 2020

• The State of Emergency in the Czech Republic has been extended until April 30. The Members of Parliament confirmed this on Tuesday, April 7. They did not support the proposal to extend this state by another 30 days, i.e. until May 11.
  
  
• Before the four-day weekend, improvement and DIY stores (“hobby markets”), building supply stores, hardware stores, bicycle shops and repair services will be able to open from Thursday, April 9.
  
  
• From April 7, biking and running in remote areas as well as playing individual outdoor sports (e.g. tennis, golf) without a face mask will be allowed. These are some of the first steps to ease the quarantine measures.
  
  
• Vending machines selling face masks, respirators FFP2 and other medical equipment (e.g. disinfection gel and gloves) are now installed at 21 places around Ostrava.
  
  

6^th April 2020

• The State of Emergency extension by 30 days, i.e. until May 11, will be discussed on April 7. The ban on retail and service sales should be also modified. From Thursday, April 8, shops with work and children clothes and footwear as well as some public sport facilities might be opened.
  
  
• It has been announced that the Czech Republic will take in six French patients. They will be transported to the University Hospital in Brno. This is also a sign that the Czech Republic is able to help others due to sufficient capacity.
  
  
• Currently, there are 4 591 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 infection, 72 people have died and 96 people have fully recovered from the infection so far. Over 80 000 people have been tested.
  
  
• According to the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics of the Czech Technical University in Prague obtained a certification for its new respirator FFP3. Its production can be up to 500 pieces a day from the beginning of April. (The Rector of CTU signed a memorandum regarding this matter with the Minister of Health.)
  
  

30^th March 2020

• The Czech government has confirmed that the restrictions on free movement of people and other measures have been extended until April 11. The businesses including restaurants, cafes and pubs remain closed as well. In addition to the quarantine measures, it was also announced that the two-hour shopping window (8 AM to 10 AM) during which only senior citizens (65+ years old) are allowed to shop only applies to larger supermarkets (500+ m²).
  
  
• After Easter, a new smart quarantine system to trace infected people's movement should be launched. The authorities should be able to map infected person's movement over past five days thanks to the data from mobile phones and credit cards. There will be also sanctions for the quarantine violations, warned Roman Prymula, Deputy Health Minister.
  
  
• When going outside, people are asked not to form groups of more than two people (except for families) as part of the quarantine measures.
  
  
• Currently, there are 2896 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 infection and 17 people have died.
  
  

24^th March 2020

• Nationwide quarantine has been approved prohibiting the free movement of people with exceptions for work and obtaining necessary goods. The quarantine went into effect March 16, midnight, and will last at least till April 1. However, people are still able to go for a walk into the nature or a park but it is important to stay isolated.
  
  
• There are 1165 confirmed coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic. Two men (95-year-old and 45-year-old) have died, however these patients suffered from various ailments. Six people have cured from the coronavirus infection. There are no cases at the University of Ostrava.
  
  
• According to the Czech government, the schools will be closed at least until the end of May. Students are supposed to continue in their studies using the online learning together with the tasks from their teachers.
  
  
• The Czech Republic's tough preventative measures to stop spread of the virus may be relaxed somewhat in three weeks but the country's borders are likely to stay shut to most travel for months.
  
  
• Closure of borders and travel restrictions. From March 16, the Czech Republic closes its borders. Czech and foreign nationals with permanent or long-term residence in the Czech Republic will not be allowed to leave the country and foreigners will not be able to enter the country (for 30 days from the Emergency State declaration on March 12). However, foreigners will be able to return to their home countries and also the Czech citizens and foreign nationals with permanent or long-term residence in the Czech Republic will be able to return to their homes in the Czech Republic.
  You can double-check the latest information and exceptions on the links below:
  • https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/coronavirus-information-of-moi.aspx
  • https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/exceptions-to-travel-restrictions.aspx
    
    
• The restrictions for cross-border workers (so called pendlers) have got stricter. Currently, they are obliged to have a confirmation from their employer and newly also “cross-border worker booklet”. The Police of the Czech Republic will give a stamp both at the exit and the entry of the Czech territory into the booklet.
  
  
• People are obliged to wear face mask in all public places. They can use even scarf or similar protection to cover their nose and mouth. This measure should help to limit the spread of the virus. People in the whole country started making the masks and many of them give the face masks to elderly people, hospitals and other places in need for free.
  
  
• The Czech Republic is in the State of Emergency which was declared on March 12. All public events are banned, restaurants and stores are closed excepting the food stores, pharmacies and for example drugstores and pet stores. All public pools and gyms are closed as well. From 8 AM to 10 AM the food stores are opened only to elderly people 65+ years old.
  
  
• You can check the latest news also here:
  • https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/en/
  • https://www.vlada.cz/en/
  • https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/

Updated: 23. 01. 2023