Czech Republic: Authorities to lift COVID-19 state of emergency April 11 /update 37

Czech Republic to lift COVID-19 state of emergency April 11; other domestic measures, international entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in the Czech Republic will end the ongoing state of emergency and several other COVID-19 related measures April 11. Nonessential movement between districts will be permitted, and a daily 21:00-05:00 curfew will be lifted. Many nonessential retail stores will also reopen in accordance with strict hygiene and social-distancing protocols. The following measures remain in place:

Social gatherings are limited to 10 people inside or 20 people outside; other public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 100 attendees.
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.
Employees are advised to work from home wherever possible.

International Entry Restrictions
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. As of April 9, the government categorizes all countries as green, orange, red, or dark red zones in order of increasing severity of COVID-19 activity:

Green countries: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vatican City
Orange countries: Iceland, 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 must submit a negative COVID-19 test before entering their 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.