Preventive coronavirus tests to remain free for everyone until further notice

Preventive coronavirus tests will remain free for everyone until further notice, Health Minister Adam Vojtěch announced after Monday’s government session. Originally, the government wanted adults to pay for Covid tests as of September 1, in order to motivate more people to get vaccinated.

The decision that tests will continue to be covered by health insurance was motivated by the worsening epidemic in neighbouring Germany and Austria. The Robert Koch Institute said last week that a fourth wave of the pandemic had started in Germany. The government also extended the VAT waiver on respirators for another two months until the end of October.