Czech Republic coronavirus updates, September 14: 792 new cases follow Saturday's record-breaking total as second wave arrives

The Czech Republic reported 792 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, the first time the number has dipped below 1,000 new daily cases in days, according to the latest figures posted by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

It’s the latest in a record-breaking week of new coronavirus cases. On Saturday, the country reported 1,539 new COVID-19 cases — the highest number to date, and the latest in a steady rise in cases. On Monday, there were 559 cases; 1,162 on Tuesday; 1,159 on Wednesday; 1,380 on Thursday; and 1,447 on Friday.

The second wave of coronavirus is now here, epidemiologist Roman Prymula told iDnes. “If the epidemic continues in such an explosive way, we can reach the limit of the capacity of the inpatient system,” Prymula said.

There were 12,886 tests performed on Saturday; the number of tests performed on Sunday will be updated later today.

There are currently 14,438 known active COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic, the highest that number has been since the start of the epidemic in March.

A total of 36,118 COVID-19 cases have been reported over that span, with 21,294 recoveries and 456 COVID-19-related deaths.

While most cases are mild or asymptomatic, the number of serious cases has significantly increased in recent weeks. Over the past month, the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization in the Czech Republic has roughly doubled, to 288, while the number of those considered to be in serious condition has more than tripled, to 69 people.

Currently, the situation per capita is worst in the Prague region, where there have been about 145 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days. Right behind them is the Plzeň-South region, where there have been 144 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

The government is recommending that Czech residents reduce their celebrations and gatherings or forgo them entirely to slow the spread of the virus.

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On Friday, health officials updated the traffic light map for the Czech Republic.

Five new districts were moved to the yellow category, indicating some increased COVID-19 risk: Beroun, Kladno, Kolin, Prague-East, all of which are located in central Bohemia, and Uherske Hradiste (south Moravia). Starting today, restaurants and bars in these regions will have restricted opening hours. Prague remains orange on the risk level map.

In travel news, a growing number of countries are adding Prague to their red lists — which mean a negative COVID-19 test is required upon entry, or entry into the country may only occur for specific reasons. Here’s a full breakdown.

Following Saturday’s record high number of cases, the Slovak Central Crisis Staff will make a decision about the classification of the Czech Republic on their risk map, according to a publish report. In addition, the country will make a decision on closing its border with Ukraine. It is rumored that Slovakia plans to classify the Czech Republic as a high-risk country.

In addition, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism has warned tourists against visiting the Czech Republic.

In Prague, new testing sites are starting to open and the capacity for tests should increase by mid-October. Royal Vinohrady University Hospital (FNKV) in Prague opened a testing site this past weekend. In addition, starting in October, the country will roll out saliva tests that can detect the virus in less than an hour, according to Ceske Noviny.

Face masks are now mandatory in all indoor spaces throughout the Czech Republic. There are a total of 25 exceptions to that requirement, including when eating or drinking in restaurants, exercising in gyms, or working in an office at least two meters away from others. But in general, the Czech public is now required to wear a mask in indoor areas if there is a chance of coming into contact with others.