Government downgrades Covid risk to fourth level, slightly eases restrictions

The government on Friday downgraded the Covid-19 risk from the fifth to the fourth level on a five level scale, opening the way for a slight easing of restrictions as of Monday.

The fourth level is the second-highest risk level on the scale and will allow for the gradual return to school of all primary school children, enable a maximum of six people to meet and shift the night curfew from 9pm to 11pm.

The majority of shops will still remain closed and face-masks will remain compulsory in all enclosed spaces and outdoor spaces where the required social distancing cannot be observed.

Coronavirus numbers have slowly been dropping, but according to Health Minister Jan Blatný there are significant differences between individual regions and community transmissions continue, with the infection still spreading among senior citizens at a rate of about 1,000 new cases a day.

The reproduction number has dropped to 0,7. The situation in Prague, which was hit first, is now significantly better than in the rest of the country, Health Ministry data show.