Update: Czech Republic to require face masks in restaurants, hairdressers from September 1

The regulations seem to match previous face mask requirements that were in effect throughout the Czech Republic during March, April, and May.

Contradicting a previous statement by Vojtěch that face masks were “not expected” to become mandatory in restaurants from September, epidemiologist Rastislav Maďar has stated today that they will be required for both restaurant staff and guests, except while consuming food or drink.

“In restaurants and other catering establishments, respiratory protection will be required for operators who come into close contact with a large number of people,” Maďar states.

“When moving around the catering facility, i.e. outside the time of consumption, this obligation also applies to guests. However, these particular rules are nothing new, they are based on a model that has already been established and proven in our country and abroad.”

Hairdressers and similar facilities, including nail and beauty salons, will also require a face mask. Previously, hairdressers were required to wear both a mask and a plastic face guard.

All shopping centers, shops, cinemas, theaters, concert halls, churches, public offices, and post offices in the Czech Republic will also require a mask to be worn. As is the case currently, all health facilities will also require a mask.

Masks will also be required in Czech courts, with the exception of judges, witnesses, and other trial participants.

Both public and non-public transport, including all buses, trains, trams, and taxi services, will also require a face mask to be worn. The masks can temporarily removed to consume food or drink, if permitted by the operator.

Masks will also be mandatory in polling stations during this autumn’s elections in the Czech Republic. All mass indoor events, regardless of the number of participants, will also require a mask to be worn.

It might be simpler to detail exceptions to the face mask requirements.

Gyms, fitness centers, spas, saunas, and indoor swimming pools also appear to be exempt from the face mask requirement.

“In preparing the measures, we tried to take into account a number of common daily situations,” Chief Hygienist Jarmila Rážová stated.

“Wearing masks will not apply, for example, to athletes, both in gyms and fitness centers. Another significant exception is the indoor swimming pool, saunas or spa and treatment pools.”

Facilities with no public access, such as private offices, are also exempt from the new face mask regulations.

It should also be noted that all the above regulations only apply to indoor locations; outdoor areas of restaurants and other facilities should also be exempt from the requirement to wear a face mask.

“Our goal is to maximally protect vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly or the sick, with this preventive measure,” Vojtěch said.

“We have set the rules for the use of face masks so that they include places where a greater risk of transmission of the disease can be expected.”

The re-implementation of the face mask requirement in the Czech Republic both coincides with the start of the 2020-21 school year and follows a general increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic over the past month.