Stay home, save lives

The government declared a new state of emergency that will apply from February 27 to March 30 - and with it, several stricter measures.

Starting Monday, March 1, the cabinet will significantly restrict the movement of people for the next three weeks. Czechs will not be allowed to leave the district they live in - unless travelling for work, going to a doctor or caring for a loved one. However, it will be obligatory to carry a for example a confirmation from the employer or a sworn statement with the reason, time and destination of the trip.

Unless providing necessary care, visiting relatives living in another district will no longer be possible. Walks or exercise during the day will only be allowed in a municipality one lives in - not in the whole district.

The government has also closed all schools and halved the exemptions for retail and services. Groceries, pharmacies, drugstores, pet stores or opticians will be allowed to remain open.

Wearing respiratory protection will be mandatory also at work - with the exception of people who are alone in the room and those working in extreme heat or other difficult conditions. The Ministry of Health also ordered citizens to wear respirators in all urban areas of municipalities, regardless of whether there are people around.