Czech Republic coronavirus updates, Nov. 27: Number of hospitalized continues to fall, salons could open soon

The number of patients suffering from coronavirus in the hospital continues to decrease as the country reports fewer new COVID-19 cases than it did a week ago, according to the latest data provided by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

The Czech Republic reported 4,048 new cases on Thursday, a lower number than this same time last week.

However, the Czech Republic continues to conduct fewer and fewer tests. On Wednesday, the country conducted 21,435 tests, significantly less of the usual number of tests performed during the week when the country experienced the peak of the second wave. The number of tests performed on Thursday will be revealed tomorrow.

The country has performed more than 3 million tests since March.

Since March, the Czech Republic has now reported a total of 511,520 COVID-19 cases, the majority of which were reported in September and October. Of those, there have been 431,874 recoveries, with 71,867 known active cases.

There are currently 5,210 COVID-19 patients in Czech hospitals, with 757 of those in serious condition. Both those numbers have been steadily decreasing as well for the past few weeks.

The most-affected locality in the Czech Republic over the past two weeks continues to be Havlíčkův Brod, which has reported about 578 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past week.

The Czech Republic is no longer the most affected state in the EU; the country now ranks far below countries like Austria, Poland and Croatia, with about 623 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

For hairdressers, tattoo shops and salons in particular, new rules were added this week by the ministry led by Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček (YES). When hairdressers, beauticians, pedicurists or employees of massage and tattoo parlors can return to work, these employees will have to wear a mask or respirator and a protective shield, according to a report. If possible, the customer will also have to wear a mask.

We will soon know more about ski resorts this season as well. Today, the new Government Council for Health Risks, established in July due to the pandemic, will meet again to address sports activities, especially the opening of ski resorts, according to a report in iDnes. Ski resorts and operators could learn later today what they should expect from the upcoming season.

In vaccine news, the Czech Republic could have the coronavirus vaccine in December, European Commission Representation in Prague. However, it remains unclear how the country will distribute the vaccine.

"I can confirm that the vaccine will be available to all EU member states before the end of the year," Magdalena Frouzová, a representative from Representation of the European Commission in Prague told Rádio Impuls.