Widespread culture closures in the Czech Republic include museums, galleries, and castles

Prague, Oct 8 (CTK) -- Given the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic, new measures to curb the spread of the virus in the country were announced by health minister Roman Prymula at a press conference Thursday afteroon.

Initial closings announced by Prymula focused widely on culture and leisure time activities and included the mandated closures of theaters, cinemas, and other performance venues.

"We have decided to reduce leisure activities drastically for 14 days, and practically freeze them," Prymula told journalists at yesterday's press briefing.

Minister Prymula later tweeted that from October 12, visits to museums, galleries, observatories, castles, and other heritage sites in the Czech Republic are banned for two weeks, until October 25.

The health minister told public broadcaster Czech Television Thursday night that only libraries and bookshops would remain open in the culture sector.

Culture-industry heads warn that the new government restrictions not only limit leisure-time activities but have economic impacts, and will cause profit losses for event operators.

"We do understand the measures, but the losses will be immense to all," National Theatre (ND) director Jan Burian said. The ND suffered a loss in sales of 121.3 million crowns during the closure during the first epidemic wave in the spring.

Until Monday, theatre performances are allowed, but without a break for refreshment and only up to 500 people with face masks can sit in one auditorium. Moreover, opera, musicals, and other shows in which singing prevails are banned along with singing lessons at schools and hobby courses.

Also from Monday, public offices will restrict their operations to two days per week. They will be open for five hours per day on dates they are open.

For a comprehensive breakdown visit the health ministry's site.