From today, Czech anti-coronavirus measures have been updated: here's what you need to know

From where you have to wear a mask to eating popcorn in movie theaters, here's a look at what you can expect.

Samantha Tatro

Written by Samantha Tatro Published on 01.07.2020 08:41:44 (updated on 01.07.2020) Reading time: 3 minutes

Starting Wednesday, most parts of Czech Republic will have no restrictions in place against coronavirus.

From where you have to wear a mask to eating popcorn in movie theaters, here’s a look at what you can expect.

Masks

For most parts of the country, face masks will not be mandatory – even indoors. Hotspot areas like Prague and the Moravian-Silesian region will be exceptions to the rule, though. Measures will be tightened to fight local outbreaks in the Karviná and Frýdek-Místek regions (more on that later).

Across the country, though, there will be certain situations where residents will need to wear a mask.

If you are visiting a medical of social facility, you will still need to wear a mask. In addition, riders using the Prague metro will still be required to wear face masks, as the city still has significant risk of the spread of coronavirus, according to Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (ANO). If you are attending an event with more than 100 people, you will still need to wear a face mask.

The mask requirement will be dropped for trams and buses, as well as indoor spaces for many smaller Czech towns.

Vojtěch previously said he was in favor of also continuing to require face masks in trams and buses, but his Health Ministry colleagues warned him that it could also have a negative impact on the elderly in the hot summer months. The Prague Transport Company recommends wearing masks on public transport if you can.

Stronger Restrictions in the Moravian-Silesian Region

Residents living in areas with a recent coronavirus outbreak, like the Moravian-Silesian Region, will have stricter coronavirus restrictions than the rest of the country.

In the Karviná and Frýdek-Místek regions, face masks are required indoors in all non-residential buildings and on public transport.

If you are attending a mass event indoors with more than 100 people in this area, you will be required to wear a mask. You will also be required to wear a mask if you work in body care services if you work closer than 1.5 meters to another person, like barbers or massage services.

In addition, residents cannot visit retirement homes and medical facilities. New clients in retirement homes and medical facilities must have a negative test in these regions.

Local restaurants must remain closed from 23:00 to 8:00. The exceptions to this rule include medical facilities, social services, prisons and hotel restaurants.

Restaurant Hours and Cinema Restrictions

Pubs, restaurants and cafes in most of the country can now remain open through the night with no restrictions. In the Moravian-Silesian Region, in the Karviná and Frýdek-Místek districts, restaurants and bars will remain closed from 11 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Catering facilities can remain open with no restrictions as well.

Movie viewers can now consume snacks indoors when watching a movie.

Spa Vouchers

Starting Wednesday, Czechs over the age of 18 years old will be able to apply for vouchers for spa visits in Czech Republic. If you spend at least six nights in a spa facility and get at least five procedures done, you will be eligible for a 4,000 CZK voucher.

The vouchers are meant to boost the local spa community, which has been deeply impacted by the loss of foreign tourists. Vouchers can be used until the end of the year.

International Travel

From today, the Czech Republic has added eight non-EU countries to its list of low-risk destinations according to its current traffic light map, which also includes all EU countries save for Sweden (high risk) and Portugal (medium risk).

Travel between Serbia and Montenegro and the Czech Republic is now restriction-free.

Travel for Czech residents returning from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea is also restriction free, but these countries currently have restrictions for incoming travelers. As soon as a bilateral agreement is agreed, all travel between these countries and the Czech Republic will be restriction-free.

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