The government is strengthening preventive measures, closing shops and restaurants to the public for ten days

The government has adopted further extraordinary preventive measures aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection in the Czech Republic. From Saturday 14 March 2020 at 6:00 to 24 March 2020 at 6:00 all shops are closed except for shops selling foodstuffs, sanitary and drugstore goods, pharmacies and dispensaries of medical devices, heating materials and fuels, spectacles and contact lenses, computer and telecommunications technology, consumer electronics and household products, tobacco products, small household pets, pet food and other pet supplies, newspapers and magazines, laundry and dry cleaning services, and sales via the Internet and other remote means.

During the same period, the ban on the attendance of the public at food service establishments also applies with the exception of establishments not serving the public, such as company staff/employee catering and catering by health and social service providers and prisons. Food service establishments located within shopping centres with a sales area of more than 5,000 m² will remain closed. The prohibition does not apply to off-premises sales, such as fast-food outlets with a takeaway window, or the sale of takeaway food without entering the premises, without time limit.

"In the current situation, we see too great a risk in people gathering in large shopping centres and restaurants. However, we do not wish in any way to restrict the sale of foodstuffs, medicines, drugstore items or fuel and other essential necessities. Citizens need not worry, food supplies remain unrestricted, there really is no need to buy out entire shops,” said Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

"Only such radical restrictions can stop the spread of the infection in our country. Although it is not pleasant for any of us, this is about protecting our health,” added Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch.

Last but not least, the government has banned gambling and casino operations from 06:00 on 14 March 2020. 

Useful information

• Hotline
  
  Ministry of Transport 
  +420 225 131 820
  
  Ministry of Industry nad Trade 
  +420 224 854 444
  
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  +420 224 183 100
  +420 224 183 200
  
  Ministry of Interior (borders, security)
  +420 739 608 533
  
  Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
  +420 778 725 602
   
• Current information on Covid-19 caused by the Chinese coronavirus on the website of the Ministry of Health – information for citizens and healthcare workers, current data.
   
• Traveling During the State of Emergency
   
• The European coronavirus response team.