Poll: Most Czechs consider anti-coronavirus health measures adequate, half question economic support

Most Czechs think measures taken to contain the coronavirus pandemic were adequate and effective but less than half believe the economic response was insufficient, according to a new CVVM poll.

Since the start of the pandemic, 10,651 people have been infected with Covid-19 in the Czech Republic, 2,752 are currently ill, and 339 have died with it.

Czech economic growth slowed by 2 percent in the first quarter of 2020 in annual terms. The country is expected to lose up to 8 percent of its national GDP during the year.

MPs are now debating a proposed increase in this year's state deficit to 500 billion crowns from 40 billion in view of additional expenditures relating to the coronavirus crisis.

The government is covered 80 percent of the salary for employees of shops, restaurants, and other businesses forced to shutter under the quarantine regulations.