Czech Republic coronavirus update, September 30: 1,965 new cases, new restrictions from Monday

Prague, Sept 30 (CTK) -- The Czech Republic saw 1,965 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, which was fewer than on most working days last week. There are currently 34,448 people ill, according to the latest data released by the Health Ministry.

According to the data from Monday, 825 people were in hospitals, 187 of which were in serious condition.

Tuesday was the first working days after the three-day weekend. Last week, the daily rise of COVID-19 cases on working days was lower only on Monday. In contrast, last Tuesday and Wednesday saw over 2,300 new cases, while Thursday and Friday more than 2,900.

Since the beginning of the epidemic in March, Czech health officials have registered 67,843 infected and nearly one half of them have recovered already.

The number of the patients with coronavirus in hospital and those in serious condition has increased about five times since early September.

Without any anti-coronavirus measures, the epidemiological situation could jeopardize hospital capacity by the end of September, Health Minister Roman Prymula (for ANO) said on Tuesday, adding that hospitals are struggling and limited by their staff being either sick or quarantined.

According to Prymula, state of emergency and other anti-coronavirus measures should apply as of Monday. Regions with higher infection risk should see their schools closed for two weeks, indoor activities should be limited to 10 people while outdoor ones by 20 participants at maximum. Sport competitions will carry on without the audience, the minister said, while theaters will be allowed to continue performances.

The Uherske Hradiste district, south Moravia, belongs to the most affected regions with its 251 new confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants last week. The Pelhrimov district, south Bohemia, follows with roughly 223 cases, as well as Benesov, a district southeast of Prague, reporting 217 infected per 100,000 inhabitants in the past seven days. Other regions reported numbers under 200 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The Ceska Lipa district, north Bohemia, is the least affected, reporting 25 ill per 100,000 inhabitants in the past seven days.

ANO and Social Democrats' (CSSD) government will decide Wenesday afternoon whether a second state of emergency will be declared this year in the Czech Republic due to the coronavirus epidemic. Before the decision is made, government representatives will present their plan to the deputies.