Covid: Scientists call on Czech PM to extend state of emergency due to Omicron variant

Citing concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus, a group of scientists has asked the new government to extend the current state of emergency and related anti-pandemic measures.

In an open letter, scientists from the Learned Society of the Czech Republic (USČR) asked Prime Minister Petr Fiala to extend the state of emergency set to end during the Christmas holidays, due in part to the greater contagiousness of Omicron.

Fiala, who took office on Saturday, has said his cabinet wants to discuss possible further measures on December 29, based on the latest data from Great Britain.

The scientists from the USČR argue that waiting until then is an unnecessary risk, recalling a surge in cases after the Christmas holidays in 2020.

Meanwhile, the new government plans to increase PCR testing capacities, Health Minister Vlastimil Válek has said, and the cabinet plans to evaluate new testing methods because of Omicron.