MPs approve two-week extension of state of emergency to April 11

After a lengthy debate, MPs on Friday approved a two-week extension of the current state of emergency that ends on Sunday, until April 11, not the 30-day period that the government had sought. The move passed thanks to support coalition and Communist deputies.

Health Minister Jan Blatný had argued that the extension was essential to maintain current anti-coronavirus restrictions. The opposition parties argued that they could apply without the prolong the state of emergency, while criticizing the government for not having a clear strategy to fight the pandemic.