Coronavirus: Facemasks again mandatory in Czech indoor public spaces, on public transport as of September

As of September, it will once again be mandatory in the Czech Republic to wear facemasks when in public indoor spaces, including schools, and when using public transport, Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) told reporters on Monday.

Speaking following a meeting of the Government Council for Health Risks, Vojtěch said the measures will also apply to indoor events, regardless of the number of participants. He said the measures aim to prevent an uptick in coronavirus cases when schools reopen after the summer holiday.

Vojtěch said teachers and schoolchildren will be required to have to wear facemasks in the common areas of schools, such as in corridors, but not during instruction in individual classes. Currently facemasks are required on the metro, for example, but not on trams.

At the same time, the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine period will been shortened to 10 days from the current 14 as of September, epidemiologist Roman Prymula has confirmed.