Covid-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic: Measures in March 2021

The Covid-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic is still worrying, as its growth accelerated in February, partly due to the spread of novel coronavirus variants. From February 27, a new state of emergency applies in the country until March 28 along with stricter measures:

• As of March 1, 2021, all persons are prohibited from leaving the district of their permanent residence except for necessary travel such as going to work.
• Between 21:00 and 04:59, however, the free movement of a person is prohibited except for essential travel.
• Meetings in public places are limited to 2 people.
• Everyone must wear respiratory protective equipment (mouth and nose) such as a respirator without breathing ventilation (FFP2, KN 95) or medical face masks in all publicly accessible places.
• Foreigners may come to the Czech Republic only in strictly necessary cases.
• From 27 February 2021, the personal presence of students and pupils at classes in all school and teaching facilities is prohibited.
• All the retail and service establishments are still closed, with some exceptions.
• Public and private events are banned. Concerts and other musical, theatrical, film and other artistic performances can take place only without the presence of spectators.
• Accommodation services can be provided only to persons for the purpose of pursuing a profession or business or foreigners.

From March 1, it is mandatory to wear a respirator or a surgical mask everywhere in the built-up area of a municipality, and it is mandatory to wear a respirator in places with high concentration of people such as public transport or shops.

Free movement is strictly tightened since March 1. It is currently forbidden to leave the district of one’s residence or domicile without an adequate reason such as work or medical appointment. The tightening also applies to movement during the day in leisure hours. Only necessary trips, such as shopping, trips to the countryside and sports activities, are allowed, but only under the condition of the presence together of just the members of a single household. The prohibition on leaving the district in which one’s place of permanent or usual residence is located contains an exemption from this prohibition for students for journeys for the purpose of participation in education, including work experience and examinations.

Physical presence of students at tuition is suspended for all students ranging from kindergartens to primary schools to universities until March 21. At universities, in-person exams may take place with a maximum of 10 persons present. Participation in individual consultation (one student and one member of academic staff) is also allowed. Otherwise, all university activities run online with the exemption granted to clinical and practical tuition for students enrolled in degree programmes in general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other degree programmes related to healthcare.