Restrictions tighten in the Czech Republic Sunday: here's what's open and what you can buy

From Sunday, December 27, the Czech Republic will move to the fifth and highest level of its PES system, which dictates the anti-COVID-19 measures in effect across the country.

The Czech Republic was previously in PES 5 in November, so many will be familiar with the restrictions in place which include the closure of most shops and services. However, there are a few changes this time around.

Unlike in the autumn, the essential shops and services that are allowed to open will no longer be required to close on Sundays.

However, stores must only retail goods that fall within the scope of them being an essential shop. For example, a supermarket may sell food and drugstore goods, but not toys or clothing products.

The range of acceptable goods that may be sold in shops during PES 5 includes food and animal food, fuel, cosmetics, hygienic goods, medication, and flowers.

While shops and services are generally required to close at PES 5, an exception is made for the following essential services:

PES 5 also sets a night curfew of 9:00 p.m., and a maximum number of people (outside of those from the same household) who may meet in public places at two. Czech Health Minister Jan Blatný has stressed that no exception will be made for New Year's Eve.

According to guidelines set by the Czech Health Ministry, the country may move back to the fourth level of restrictions should the PES index score remain within the fourth level range for seven consecutive days.

The Czech Republic's current PES score is 76, while the upper limit of level four is 75.