Shops will not reopen on Monday

Shops will not be allowed to reopen in the Czech Republic for the time being, Trade and Industry Minister Karel Havlíček said after Friday’s cabinet meeting. The reason is the worsening coronavirus epidemic driven by the British mutation of the virus and the fact that hospitals around the country are nearing their capacity limit.

Minister Havlíček, who was to present the government with a proposal for shops to be allowed to reopen as of Monday, February 22, under strict hygiene conditions, said the matter had not even come to a vote in view of the worsening epidemiological situation. He said the government would consider the proposal at the end of next week if the situation improves.

Epidemiologists have warned against easing the restrictions at a time when the third wave of the epidemic appears to be reaching a head.