Czech Republic: Authorities extend COVID-19 related State of Emergency until Jan. 22 /update 28

Czech Republic officials extend COVID-19-related State of Emergency until Jan. 22, and will tighten other related measures from Dec. 27.

Event

Health officials in the Czech Republic are extending the nation's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related State of Emergency (SoE) until Jan. 22. Additionally, authorities will tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures from Dec. 27:

A daily curfew will be implemented from 2100-0500; individuals may only leave their homes for emergencies.
Most nonessential shops and services will be closed.
Employees are advised to work from home wherever possible.
Public gatherings will be limited to two people; weddings and funerals will be limited to 15 people.
Restaurants and dining establishments must close.
Sports and recreation facilities such as swimming pools, fitness, or wellness centers must close.
The use of protective face coverings is mandatory in all indoor public areas, on public transportation, and outdoors when social distancing of two meters (six feet) between people cannot be observed.

In addition, authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions. The government currently categorizes all countries as green, orange, or red zones based on local COVID-19 activity:

Green countries: Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vatican City
Orange countries: Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Spain, and Madeira and Azores in Portugal
Red countries: All other countries

Individuals arriving from green countries may enter the Czech Republic without restriction. Most individuals arriving from countries designated as orange may enter the country without restriction, but foreigners traveling to work or study in the Czech Republic must submit a negative COVID-19 test before entering the workplace or educational institution. Travel from red countries, other than EEA member states, Switzerland, or the UK, is prohibited; exceptions include residents of countries where travel restrictions have been lifted, close family members of Czech residents, persons in a relationship with a Czech citizen or resident, diplomats, transport workers, and those with urgent circumstances as decided on a case-by-case basis. Any individual arriving from a red country must fill out an electronic arrival form before departing for the Czech Republic. They must also either produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken in an EU or EEA country within no more than 72 hours before arrival or take a COVID-19 test within five days upon arrival and limit their movements until the results return.

Authorities could ease, tighten, extend, or otherwise amend restrictions at any time depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.