Czech Republic coronavirus updates, Nov. 19: Fewer in hospital, possible lifting of restrictions ahead

According to the latest figures from the Czech Health Ministry, the number of hospitalized coronavirus patients dropped by more than 500 in the country to 6,322 last night, but the death toll rose to 6,740.

There were 5,515 new Covid-19 cases confirmed yesterday, up by 1,269 from the day before.

The number of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 is now the lowest since October 26. For the first time since then, those in serious condition dropped under 1,000, to 961.

However, the number of Covid-19-related deaths continues to rise. Since October 19 the daily number of deaths has been in the triple-digits.

Testing facilities conducted 17,100 coronavirus tests on Tuesday, which was a national holiday, about 9,000 fewer than on previous day. However, the number of tests at weekends and on holidays is usually lower than on workdays.

The share of the positive tests rose to 24.8 percent on Tuesday, bringing the seven-day average to 24 percent.

Health Minister Jan Blatny (ANO) told Czech TV last night that the Czech Republic may reach level three (medium) on the PES risk assessment index system by Christmas. Today, he will assess the data and possibly move the assessment level to four, making way for the loosening of restrictions.

The virus is currently spreading the fastest in the Havlickuv Brod district with almost 700 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the past seven days, followed by the Chrudim district, in east Bohemia, with 577 cases and the Pelhrimov district, south Bohemia, with 575 cases per 100,000.

Yesterday, first and second grade elementary school students, as well as students from special schools for the disabled, returned to school. The majority of the students attended the first day back yesterday, according to the Czech Pedagogic Chamber professional association.