Czech Republic: Authorities extend COVID-19-related measures until Feb. 14 /update 30

Czech Republic to maintain COVID-19-related measures until at least Feb. 14; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Health officials have extended the nationwide coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related State of Emergency and constituent restrictions until at least Feb. 14. The following domestic measures 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.

Authorities are only admitting international arrivals for limited essential reasons, including travel for work and urgent family or health reasons. The government currently categorizes all countries as green, orange, or red zones based on local COVID-19 activity:

Green countries: Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vatican City
Orange countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Iceland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Canary Islands
Red countries: All other countries

Permitted individuals arriving from green countries may enter the Czech Republic without restriction. Most individuals arriving from countries designated as orange may enter the country without restriction, but foreigners traveling to work or study in the Czech Republic must submit a negative COVID-19 test before entering the workplace or educational institution. Any individual arriving from a 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 or take a COVID-19 test within 5-7 days of arrival and self-isolate until the results 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.