News

The Czech government has officially extended the state of emergency to April 30, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on Thursday.

First issued to help tackle the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, the government originally intended to extend the period until mid-May. However, the length of the extension was shortened after the debate was put forward to the Chamber of Deputies.

The recent removal of the statue of Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev by local Prague 6 authorities does not violate any Czech-Russian treaties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Czech News Agency on Thursday.

The statement comes after the Russian Embassy in Prague wrote that the move violated bilateral treaties signed between the two countries and Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu proposed those who removed the statue be criminally prosecuted according to a new law against the damaging of public memorials recently passed in Russia. Prague 6 authorities subsequently called on the Czech Foreign Ministry to make a statement.

For years, the statue has been the subject of heated debate, including protests and international disputes between supporters of the Red Army's liberation of the Czech capital and those who are critical of Konev's repressive role within the Communist Eastern Bloc.

Losses to the Czech tourism industry resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic are expected to reach CZK 50 billion by the end of April, but could be as high as CZK 75 billion if tourism associated services are included, data gathered by business and employee associations suggests.

According to these figures, 95 percent of hotels, spas and three quarters of all restaurants in the country are currently closed. Cultural sites and information centres are also closed.

Four associations made up from these affected businesses have proposed a series of measures to counter the damage in a plan sent to the government last week with primary focus given on preserving jobs and the survival of related businesses.

The Czech government has taken a further step in loosening its measures aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, allowing certain non-essential stores to open from Thursday morning provided that they adhere to strict hygienic measures.

DIY retailers, ironmongers and bicycle shops can now sell wares to the wider public. However, visitors are required to keep a 2 meter distance between each other and disinfectants need to be available to them on the spot. Aside from face masks, staff are also required to wear gloves.

A special expert team will discuss further openings of some shops, such as book stores, during the Easter period, Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček announced on Wednesday.