Czech government announces full lockdown as of December 27

The Czech government has declared its intention to activate level five, the highest level on the country’s counter-epidemic system PES as of Sunday, December 27 in view of the growing spread of the coronavirus epidemic.

This will mean a full lock-down, the closure of most shops and services, with the exception of shops selling basic goods such as food and hygiene products, and the reintroduction of a longer night curfew, between 9pm and 5 am. No more than two people will be allowed to gather.

Ski resorts will have to close even for day visitors, sports facilities, museums and galleries will also remain closed. Restaurants will only be able to sell food via dispensing windows.

Schools, which were due to reopen on January 4, will go back to distance learning, with the exception of 1st and 2nd graders.

The measures will be in effect until January 10, when they will be reviewed by the government.

The government has promised full compensation for those hit by the measures.

The state of emergency in the country has been extended until January 22.