Czech Republic: Health officials to extend enhanced COVID-19-related restrictions until at least March 28 /update 35

Event

Czech authorities have extended the nation's enhanced COVID-19 restrictions until at least March 28 despite a drop in infection rates. Under the new measure, nonessential movement between districts will remain prohibited, and all educational facilities will continue to employ distance learning methods.

The Czech Republic's health state of emergency and other previously imposed restrictions will also stay in force until at least March 28. The following domestic measures remain in place:

A nightly curfew is in effect 21:00-05:00; 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 2 meters (6 feet) between people cannot be observed.

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, red, or dark 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, Norway, Portugal (except for Madeira), Spain (only Balearic Islands)
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 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.