Czech Republic: Health officials extend COVID-19 state of emergency and related restrictions until at least March 28 /update 34

Event

Authorities have extended the health-related state of emergency and other previously imposed restrictions until at least March 28. In addition, officials are tightening domestic COVID-19 restrictions from March 1 in response to growing case numbers. Nonessential movement between districts will be prohibited and some shops, such as stationery and children’s clothing retailers, which were previously classed as essential, must now remain closed. All educational facilities will cease face-to-face teaching. The enhanced measures are scheduled to last until at least March 22. The following domestic measures will also remain in place:

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

Previous restrictions on travel to and from the districts of Cheb, Sokolov, and Trutnov have now been lifted.

International Entry Restrictions

International entry restrictions are also in force. All nonessential travel to the country remains suspended, with the exception of travel by Czech nationals and residents, as well as persons traveling for essential purposes. The government currently categorizes all countries as green, orange, or red zones in order of increasing severity of COVID-19 activity:

Green countries: Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vatican City,
Orange countries: Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Portugal (Azores only)
Red and dark red countries: All other countries

Czech citizens and residents arriving from green and orange countries may enter the Czech Republic without restriction but foreigners traveling for essential purposes in the Czech Republic must submit a negative COVID-19 test before entering the workplace or educational institution. Any individual arriving from a red or dark 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. Travelers from red countries must take a second COVID-19 test within five days of arrival, while travelers from dark red countries may not take a second test earlier than five days after arrival; travelers in both categories must remain in self-isolation until the results from these second tests 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.