Czech Republic: International travel and non-essential movement bans end April 23 /update 11

Event

Czech authorities announced on Thursday, April 23, plans to lift international travel and non-essential movement bans which were introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. As of Friday, May 1, orders on social distancing will also change, allowing gatherings of up to ten individuals instead of the previous limit of two persons. Those wishing to travel abroad will be required to present a medical certificate to show that they do not have COVID-19, or undergo quarantine for a 14-day period when they return to the country. From Monday, April 27, shops with floor space of less than 2500 sq. meters, universities, gyms, and libraries will be allowed to reopen. Additionally, as of Monday, May 11, shopping centers and hairdressers will reopen. Hotels, restaurants, and theaters will be allowed to open as of Monday, May 25.

However, the government has announced that these measures will be under constant review and could be adjusted if transmission rates rise significantly again.

A state of emergency remains in effect until Thursday, April 30. The state of emergency was originally imposed on Thursday, March 12.

As of April 24, 7187 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the country and 210 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus. Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.