Czech Republic coronavirus updates, August 25: 260 new cases, face masks from next week

The Czech Republic reported 260 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, according to the latest data published by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

While the total number of cases is increasing, the number of hospitalized patients appears to be remaining stable.

According to the latest information, provided by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on Sunday, there are 119 people with COVID-19 currently being treated in Czech hospitals, 24 of whom are considered to be in serious condition. The Health Ministry has yet to release updated information on these numbers this week.

Currently, there are 5,390 known active COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic, with the vast majority reporting mild or even no symptoms of the disease.

Since the beginning of the outbreak in March, there have been a total of 22,181 COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic, 16,376 confirmed recoveries, and 415 COVID-19-related deaths.

Currently, there are no large localized outbreaks in the country; no Czech districts have reported more than 40 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past week, though roughly half of the districts in the country have reported more than 10 cases per 100,000 residents over that span.

Kolín has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita in that span, with 39 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. Prague has reported about 34 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past week, and Žďár nad Sázavou about 30.

Vsetín, in eastern Moravia, and Rokycany, in west Bohemia, are the only Czech districts to report no new cases over the past week.

Experts have warned that the situation may worsen next week following the re-opening of schools across the country from Monday.

At the moment, face masks are required in the Prague metro and in health facilities across the country including hospitals and pharmacies. According to the new regulations set to take effect next week, masks will also become mandatory on all public transport vehicles across the country, in public offices such as post offices and town halls, at polling stations come autumn elections, and at all indoor cultural events with more than 100 participants.

Contrary to previous reports, masks will not be required at schools, shops, restaurants, or service providers such as hairdressers.

From yesterday, the Czech Republic has added Spain to its list of “red” high-risk countries, requiring a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine from any returning resident. Ukraine has removed the Czech Republic from its red list, enabling travel without restriction, though the requirement for a negative test or quarantine still applies when returning to the Czech Republic.