Czech Republic: Restrictive COVID-19 measures remain in place nationwide as of Dec. 14 /update 27

Event

Authorities in the Czech Republic are maintaining measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at their current level as of Dec. 14. A nationwide state of emergency is in effect until at least Dec. 23. Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to reopen provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing measures. The following domestic measures also remain in effect:

Employees are advised to work from home wherever possible.
Public gatherings are permitted with a maximum of 50 participants if outdoors or 10 participants indoors.
Weddings and funerals are limited to 30 people.
Catering establishments and betting venues must close 2000-0559.
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: Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Azores and Madeira in Portugal, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands in Spain
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.