President Zeman: Independence Day celebrations will take place

President Miloš Zeman has confirmed that the traditional celebrations of Czechoslovak In dependence Day, on October 28, will take place despite the coronavirus crisis.

The president said that to cancel the event would indicate a lack of respect for the country‘s history and traditions.

He said the ceremony in the Spanish Hall of Prague Castle would be organized so as to meet the recommended safety measures and the reception traditionally following the event might not take place this year.

At the ceremony the head of state traditionally hands out high state distinctions and medals of bravery to selected members of the public.

Among the recipients this year will be epidemiologist Roman Prymula, for his handling of the first wave of the coronavirus crisis, and pop idol Karel Gott who died a year ago.