Breakdown: these lockdown changes will take effect in the Czech Republic from Thursday

Czech shops, restaurants, and services will be able to reopen from December 3, but a number of restrictions remain in place

Jason Pirodsky

Written by Jason Pirodsky Published on 29.11.2020 13:01:00 (updated on 30.11.2020) Reading time: 3 minutes

Daily News
A woman places a sign in a shop window, via iStock / LeoPatrizi
A woman places a sign in a shop window, via iStock / LeoPatrizi

Earlier this morning, Czech Health Minister Jan Blatný announced that the country will move from the fourth level to the third level in the PES epidemic system from Thursday, resulting in a new set of regulations that will take effect from that date.

Free movement of people will be allowed and restaurants, shops, and service providers may reopen, but a number of restrictions will remain in effect. See below for a full list of changes that come into effect under the Czech Republic's third PES level from December 3.

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These regulations are expected to remain in effect through Christmas. Note that while establishments are allowed to reopen, whether they do so under the restrictions still in place is at the discretion of the operator.

Additionally, while the below measures correspond to the third level of the PES system, which will be in effect from Thursday, more specific regulations may still be announced.

  • The night curfew (currently 11:00 p.m.) will be lifted, allowing full free movement of people within the Czech Republic.
  • Retail shops may open with a limit of one person per 15 square meters and at least two meters between customers; lines outside the establishments must be regulated if this limit is exceeded.
  • Restaurants may reopen from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 50% capacity and a maximum of four guests to a table.
  • Shopping centers will be able to open with a limit of one person per 15 square meters and at least two meters between visitors; lines must be kept both outside individual stores and outside the shopping center if this limit is exceeded. Food courts may reopen, but children's corners must remain closed.
  • Shops may open on Sundays.
  • Christmas markets may take place, though some (including those in central Prague) have already been cancelled.
  • Services such as hairdressers and salons may open with a limit of one person per 15 square meters; hairdressers must wear a face mask, but not a shield.
  • Museums and galleries may reopen to 25% capacity, but cinemas and theaters must remain closed.
  • Gyms and fitness centers may reopen under the same regulations as shops; classes may be conducted in groups of a maximum of ten (one instructor and nine participants) and all gym goers must wear a face mask.
  • Libraries may reopen under the same guidelines as shops.
  • Church services may be held under the same guidelines as shops.
  • Alcohol may be consumed in public spaces without limits.
  • Mass events may take place with a limit of 50 people if outdoors, and 10 people indoors.
  • Weddings and funerals may take place with a limit of 30 people in attendance (up from 20).
  • Visits to social care facilities are still prohibited, but visits to health care facilities are allowed with some restrictions.
  • Accommodation services may be provided without restriction.
  • Professional and amateur sporting events may be held, but without spectators.
  • Recreational sports my be played without limit outdoors and with a maximum of 10 people indoors.
  • Pools and wellness centers may operate within the limit on gatherings of people.
  • Castles, chateaux and other cultural sites may reopen to groups of a maximum of 10.
  • Casinos may reopen from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 50% capacity; guests must be seated with a maximum of four to a table.
  • Home office is still recommended for businesses if possible. Frequent testing is recommended for warehouse and production facilities.
  • Face masks must continue to be worn at all indoor locations and outdoor locations if a distance of 2 meters between people cannot be kept.
  • Regulations concerning the operation of ski resorts are currently being prepared and expected to be announced by the end of next week.
  • The third PES level also allows for a wider reopening of schools, but the Education Ministry has already announced that schools will continue to operate as if under the fourth PES level.

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