Czech Republic coronavirus updates, October 20: 8,076 new cases, masks required outdoors from tomorrow

The Czech Republic reported 8,076 new COVID-19 cases, according to data released by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

While the number of new COVID-19 cases on Monday is a few thousand less than the record high of over 11,000 reported last Friday, it's the highest total for a Monday since the start of the epidemic, and nearly double the number of new cases reported last Monday.

The Czech Republic has reported about 859 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks, and 6.5 COVID-19-related deaths, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Both numbers lead Europe. Belgium (757 cases) and the Netherlands (535) are the only other countries to report more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks.

There are currently 3,721 COVID-19 patients being treated in Czech hospitals, nearly four times more than at the end of September. Among those, 589 patients are in intensive care.

The number of COVID-19-related deaths crossed 1,500 this morning, with 46 deaths reported on Monday and 12 so far today. The total number of COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the outbreak now stands at 1,513.

Since March, a total of 182,000 people in the Czech Republic have tested positive for COVID-19. The majority of those cases have come this month. Currently, there are 105,541 known active COVID-19 cases in the country.

In efforts to curb the spread of the virus, the Czech government continues to impose restrictions similar to those that were in place during the spring.

Yesterday, Czech Health Minister Roman Prymula announced that face masks would once again become mandatory at outdoor locations in cities, towns and villages where people are less than two meters apart as of Wednesday, October 21.

Drivers and passengers in cars are also required to wear a face mask from Wednesday. Exempt from both measures are family members traveling together, and those playing or practicing sports.

Previous measures still in effect through the end of the month include a requirement to wear a face mask at most indoor locations in the Czech Republic, and the closure of restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, gyms, and other venues.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Prymula stated that further lockdown measures would not be imposed before the end of November, and that officials would re-evaluate the situation at the end of the month.

During his Facebook address on Sunday, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated that potential regulations for the Christmas season will be decided upon this week.

Within the Czech Republic, the highest rates of COVID-19 infection are now being reported in Zlín (798 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days), Plzeň-North (725 cases), and Prostějov (720 cases).

In Prague, there have been 501 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past week.

On Sunday, protesters demonstrating against the country's anti-COVID-19 regulations violently clashed with police in the Czech capital's Old Town Square, resulting in 144 arrests and dozens of injuries.