Wednesday news summary

Covid update

Today, the PES risk score rose by five points back to 71 points, where it was on Sunday and Monday. This is due to a worsening of the average positivity of the tests in seven days. On Tuesday, tests revealed another 7,889 cases, which was about 2,000 more than a week ago. Of the nearly 30,000 tests, 27 percent were positive. The points correspond to the fourth degree of risk. In the worst, fifth degree there are already six regions, only Prague is in the third.

Voluntary testing starts

Widespread voluntary testing for coronavirus begins today. People can undergo antigen tests for free, they are covered by health insurance. According to the Minister of Health Jan Blatný (for ANO), the capacity will be up to 60,000 tests per day. The interest is great, there are only few times available until Christmas. According to the survey, about 40 percent of the population is interested in getting tested. More information can be found HERE.

Controversial ban on shopping

From Friday, due to the coronavirus epidemic, free movement will be limited even during the day and people will be allowed to buy only basic necessities, according to a government measure published on the website of the Ministry of Health. The Lidovky.cz server warned today that people should not go to some stores according to the new rules. People can buy anything, shops are not limited, the Ministry of Health said on Twitter in the evening. However, the text of the measure on his website remained the same. Last week, after being warned by the media, the cabinet corrected a resolution that inadvertently banned the sale of bottled drinks in restaurants.

Budget discussions

On Wednesday, deputies are supposed to approve the state budget for next year. The government proposed it with a deficit of 320 billion crowns. A long-hours debate is expected with a hundred votes on parliamentary proposals for money transfers. At the same time, the minority cabinet of ANO and the ČSSD has not yet negotiated budget support in the Chamber of Deputies.