Senate debating Pandemic Law

The Senate is debating a controversial amendment to the Pandemic Law which would give the government broader powers to enforce restrictions without the need for a state of emergency in the country. Health Minister Vlastimil Valek warned that if the bill is not approved the government will have to ask for a state of emergency in order to protect high-risk groups and maintain the ongoing Covid restrictions in old-age homes and hospitals. The governing parties, which have a majority in the lower house closed ranks to support the bill, but senators of the same parties are said to be divided on the matter, saying that the bill needs further revision.