Covid-19: Govt debating stricter measures on movement, closing schools and shops

The government resumes debate on Thursday on introducing stricter measures to combat the worsening coronavirus pandemic. Steps may include restricting movement between regions, closing kindergartens, primary schools, and more types of shops.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has said he will call on MPs to extend the state of emergency through March, even beyond the expected entry into force of the so-called Pandemic Act. Imposing stricter measures is necessary to avert a total catastrophe, he said, noting a sharp uptick in hospitalizations and full Intensive Care Units.

The government has agreed to compensate businesses for carrying out mandatory Covid-19 testing and temporarily banned Czechs from travelling to several African and South American countries. As of Thursday, it is mandatory to wear a FFP2 or KN95 high-grade respirator when in public indoor spaces and using transport, or two surgical facemasks at once.