Czech Republic prolongs border controls through June 13

Prague, May 4 (CTK) – The Czech government prolonged the control of internal borders until June 13 due to the coronavirus epidemic, but as of May 11, all border crossings for commuters and lorries will reopen, the Interior Ministry told journalists today.

In a week, the government will also reopen selected border crossings for railway transport.

“In all places now only open to commuters and road freight transport, all categories of passengers will be able to cross the borders as of Monday, May 11,” the ministry said.

“In the same form, another three places where the border with Germany can be crossed will be made accessible: Dolní Poustevna, Hřensko and Kraslice,” it added.

Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (Social Democrats, ČSSD) said the government wanted to diminish the negative impact of the lockdown rules on cross-border transport.

“However, since we also have to take into consideration the police capacity, the operational hours between 5:00 to 23:00 are still valid for this category of border crossings,” Hamáček said.

Due to the expected renewal of international rail transport, the main railway corridors will reopen on May 11, he added.

These are those in Ceska Kubice and Decin on the border with Germany and Breclav and Horni Dvoriste on the border with Austria.

Transport Minister Karel Havlíček (for ANO) said the reopening of further international airports was being prepared. At present, only the Václav Havel Airport in Prague is functioning.