Tighter measures from Friday

Starting December 18, Czechia will return to level four of the anti-epidemic PES system - but shops and services will remain open.

The fourth degree of the PES system means among other things closed bars, restaurants or hotels (for recreational purposes). Restaurants will be allowed to open take-out windows. The government also decided to change the rule banning purchasing any beverages to go - people will be able to buy non-alcoholic drinks from now on.

Also from Friday, the ski resorts will be allowed to operate - however, with accommodation facilities and restaurants closed. You can find the whole list of restrictions here - but note that this time, shops and services can stay open even in level four.

According to the Minister of Health Jan Blatný (for ANO), the numbers of new infections are creeping up - but not surging. He hopes that the hospitalizations will follow this trend.