Czech Republic: Health Officials extend COVID-19 State of Emergency and related restrictions until at least Feb. 28 /update 33

Czech Republic extends COVID-19-related State of Emergency until at least Feb. 28. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Due to COVID-19, authorities in the Czech Republic are extending the health-related State of Emergency (SoE) and other previously imposed restrictions until at least Feb. 28. The following domestic measures will remain in place:

A daily curfew is in effect from 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.

Previously, authorities suspended travel to and from the districts of Cheb, Sokolov, and Trutnov starting Feb. 12 due to high COVID-19 infection rates in those jurisdictions. Exceptions are allowed under certain circumstances, such as travel for work, health care, or education purpose, as well as attending funerals.

International Entry Restrictions
International entry restrictions are also still 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, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vatican City, Iceland
Orange countries: Finland, Denmark, Greece, Norway
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 5 days of arrival, while travelers from dark red countries may not take a second test earlier than 5 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.