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The Czech Republic will close non-essential shops, certain services and ski lift routes will impose stricter traffic restrictions starting Sunday in a bid to control a further increase in COVID-19 infections and the number of hospitalizations, it said on Wednesday. the Minister of Health. , Jan Blatny, according to Reuters, quoted by Agerpres.
The government approved a move to the highest alert level, Blatny said, a move that would impose a shutdown on the country with 10.7 million people during the holidays and cancel the New Year’s festivities.
The number of new coronavirus infections increased in December, with the daily figure reaching more than 10,000 cases on Tuesday for the first time since November 6.
At this rate, the Health Ministry said, hospitalizations could approach a total of 7,000 by the end of the year – from the current level of 4,782 – again approaching the peak of more than 8,000 reached in November, when this country compared the rate highest infection rate and mortality in Europe.
The risk of death from this condition has multiplied by 15 since the beginning of October, to a total of 10,664.
The new set of restrictions comes after the government relaxed precautions earlier this month, when the number of cases had mostly dropped.
A night traffic ban will be imposed from 21:00
The Czech Republic closed bars and restaurants again last week, and the new restrictions will affect shops and services such as beauty salons. Stores that sell basic goods will remain open, although supermarkets will only be able to sell basic goods. The rest of the products can be ordered online.
A night-time traffic ban will be imposed from 9:00 p.m. and public gatherings will be limited to two people outside the family. Religious services will be allowed with an audience of up to 10% of the seating capacity. Chairlift routes will be closed.
Only the first and second graders will return to classes after Christmas break, while the rest of the children will move on to distance education.
Blatny said the government will meet in January to reconsider the measures, which are expected to remain in effect until January 10.
Publisher: Liviu Cojan
