Coronavirus: Czech Republic and Slovakia impose another state of emergency – Coronavirus Vienna

In connection with the emergence of a second corona wave, Slovakia has once again decided to declare a state of emergency. It will initially apply for 45 days from October 1, Conservative Prime Minister Igor Matovic announced on Wednesday.

Since the end of August, the country has been battling an increasing number of corona infections. Another record was reached on Tuesday with 567 confirmed cases. Three other deaths were also announced Wednesday, bringing the total to 48.

The head of government announced via Facebook how the desire of Slovaks to travel during All Saints’ Day will affect the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and then see if they can return to normal, even before the meeting of the corresponding cabinet. “It depends on all of us,” he said.

Last Monday, Matovic blamed citizens who do not adhere to preventive measures for the dramatically rising number of infections. In doing so, he drew severe criticism from all sides.

Slovakia had already declared a state of emergency during March’s first corona wave, and it remained in effect for a full 90 days. At that time, however, it only applied to the field of health care, which should allow for the mobilization of health personnel and faster acquisition of medical supplies. Now there will be no such restriction, the measure should apply nationally to all walks of life.

The Czech government also declared a national emergency as of October 5 on Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Minister of Health, Roman Prymula, the state of emergency should last 30 days.

The state of emergency allows the government, among other things, to suspend civil rights such as freedom of assembly. Courts can also impose higher penalties. Health Minister Roman Prymula said Wednesday in Prague that the “rocket-like spike” in infections must be stopped to avoid a shortage of medical care. The main objective of the measures is to ensure the functioning of hospitals and other health facilities with the help of students from medical schools, because several doctors and nurses are sick with Covid or are in quarantine.

The Czech opposition accused the government of reacting too late to the warnings. Regional and Senate elections on Friday and Saturday will proceed as scheduled. The state of emergency was in effect for two months in the spring.

The borders should remain open this time. Indoor events and meetings are limited to ten and outdoors to 20 people. Most secondary schools are moving to distance education. In the worst affected regions, some schools will also be temporarily closed. Sport has to do without spectators. Operas and musicals are also suspended, while theaters and cinemas remain open. Businesses, shops and restaurants are also unaffected by the restrictions.

The Czech Republic weathered the first phase of the pandemic well, but numbers have been skyrocketing for weeks. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic has risen to just under 67,850. On Tuesday alone, 1,965 new confirmed cases were added. More than 630 people died in the Czech Republic in connection with the Covid-19 disease.