Czech trade unions propose temporary state holiday on November 16 to help curb COVID-19 epidemic

Trade unions will propose that the Czech government make November 16 an official state holiday in 2020, Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions chair Josef Středula told Czech Television today.

The temporary move could help curb the spread of COVID-19 cases in the country, which is currently near a peak as the capacity at Czech hospitals reaches a critical status.

In the Czech Republic, November 17 is Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, a national holiday commemorating the 1989 Velvet Revolution as well as previous student uprisings in the country.

This year, November 17 falls on a Tuesday. Making Monday, November 16 a state holiday as well this year would give workers throughout the country a four-day weekend and potentially help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Středula spoke about the proposal earlier today on the Czech Television program Otázky Václava Moravec (Questions from Václav Moravec).

"We see an opportunity ahead. For the cost of one day, a time period of four days is obtained, during which contacts are reduced," Středula stated.

"It would be ideal if Friday, November 13 was also [a day off]. For a relatively low cost, this will disrupt the community transmission of the virus," he added.

According to Středula, he has already discussed the proposal with Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamáček, who himself had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in recent weeks.

The operation of critical infrastructure would not be affected, Středula added.

The Czech government has currently mandated that all companies who are able to make use of home office do so. Many businesses, including those in the manufacturing and production sectors, are unable to implement remote work, however.