Czech Republic coronavirus updates, August 21: 247 new cases, government reverses mask measures

There were 247 new COVID-19 cases recorded in the Czech Republic yesterday, according to the latest data provided by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

The total number of confirmed cases in the Czech Republic since the start of the outbreak in March has now crossed 21,000, standing at 21,045 as of this morning. There have been 1,035 new cases so far this week after a high of 316 on Wednesday, 281 on Tuesday, and 191 on Monday.

About 75% (15,886) of the total number of cases have recovered, and there have been 406 COVID-19-related deaths, an increase of eight this week. That leaves 4,753 known active cases.

The vast majority of cases have are mild, with 110 COVID-19 patients treated in Czech hospitals, and 24 of those considered to be in serious condition.

The Czech Republic’s most-affected districts this week have been Uherské Hradiště and Plzeň, though both have seen a small dip, with about 35 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents in Plzeň and 36 new cases per 100,000 residents in Uherské Hradiště.

Opava, with 27 new cases per 100,000 residents, has become the country’s third most-affected locale this week.

Prague and Frýdek-Místek, the only Czech locales to rate a green “low-risk” warning on the Czech Health Ministry’s regional map on Monday, have both seen a decrease in cases; Prague now reports about 26 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days, and Frýdek-Místek has dipped below 20.

According to what we currently know, which is subject to change, masks will be required in public transport vehicles, public offices, and health and social care facilities from September 1.

Despite previous reports, masks will NOT be required in schools, shops, restaurants, hairdressers and other service facilities from September 1, unless the COVID-19 situation in a particular area of the Czech Republic is upgraded to a higher risk status.