Czech Republic: Additional restrictions implemented following record rise in COVID-19 cases October 21 /update 26

Event

The Czech Health Ministry announced an increase of 14,968 additional cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Wednesday, October 21. The latest daily count marks the largest 24-hour increase in cases since the beginning of the pandemic. As a result, the government has ordered most stores to close in efforts to restrict the virus's spread. 

Previously, on October 14, a three-week closure of restaurants, bars, and clubs in the country was ordered and most schools shifted to remote classes in efforts to curb further infections. Public gatherings are limited to no more than six people, reduced from ten, and face masks are required at public transport stops. Masks are mandatory on public transport and in all indoor public spaces. Authorities have also stated that from October 14, alcohol consumption in public spaces is banned and additional restrictions may be implemented if cases continue rising. 

The government declared a state of emergency on October 5 due to an increased spread of the virus. The state of emergency, which will be in place for 30 days with the possibility of extensions, will see the introduction of increased restrictions. 

As of October 22, there have been 208,915 confirmed cases of COVID-19 will 1,739 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.