Czech Republic COVID-19 Strategy: Resources

Ministry of Health website, Overview of current situation 
Ministry of Health website, Relevant issues on coronavirus (in English) 
Full list of sample collection points

Czech Republic COVID-19 Strategy: National Lockdown Imposed March 1, 2021

“On March 1, 2021, a nationwide lockdown was imposed for the first time, with extensive limitations on freedom of movement. People were only able to exit their districts of residence in strictly defined cases and with valid certificates (such as a certificate of work or an affidavit when going to a physician or to access public services). Czechia has 76 districts and in addition the capital of Prague counting as its own district for the purposes of restrictions on freedom of movement. For sport and recreation, people were limited to their residence village territory only, with this being relaxed to the whole district of residence on March 22. Night curfew continued to apply (9pm-5am). Visits among families were prohibited with exceptions for essential services and care. Police checkpoints were built on district borders on most roads and a total of 30 000 policemen, soldiers, and customs officers were in charge of monitoring adherence to new rules. The restrictions were in effect initially until March 21, then were prolonged until March 28 (the current end of state of emergency), and then till April 11 (further extensions being conditional upon the extension of the state of emergency).

“In mid-March the Minister of Health declared that the lockdown measures could be loosened when there were less than 2000 new daily cases and the test positivity rate fell below 8 %. The daily averages on weekdays in mid-March were well above 10 000 newly detected cases per day and the test positivity rate was above 30 % for diagnostic testing and 18 % for epidemiological testing.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed April 3, 2021.

Czech Republic COVID-19 Strategy: Financing Of Tests And Vaccines

“Since November, regular antigen testing of clients and staff at LTC facilities and senior homes (including home care services) was ordered (see section 1.4). Financing of these tests was delegated to the health insurance funds. An amendment to the law was needed for health insurers to be able to directly reimburse the test distributor for costs. In early December, the government launched voluntary testing using the antigen tests open at first to teachers and later (Dec 16) to the whole population. The cost of the antigen testing is covered from the SHI funds.

“The distribution and administration of vaccine doses are covered by SHI funds, while the state budget pays for the vaccines themselves based on an agreement with the Commission. Still, the final vaccine bill will be settled by the health insurance funds, who will reimburse the central state budget for all administered doses (i.e. not only for the administering itself as was originally intended).”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Feb. 2, 2021.

Czech COVID-19 Strategy: Physical Distancing

“The level 3 of the PES [ProtiEpidemický Systém] antipandemic system applies since December 3. Restrictions on physical distancing were loosened  since then: gatherings outdoors up to 50 people, indoors up to 10 persons; reopening of restaurants (closed 10pm-6am) for max 4 people at a table; reopening of hotels also for non-business trips; reopening of stores and shopping centres under strict regime (1 customer per 15m2, 2m distance, queues’ management indoor and outdoor); funerals and weddings up to 30; no restrictions of free movement and no night curfew. Schooling was not touched upon by the changes on Dec 3.

“Starting December 14, the PES system also takes antigen tests performed into account (previously the calculation only factored in a total number of PCR tests). Full details on the new methodology for calculating the total risk score of the PES system are forthcoming from the MoH.

“Officially, the Czech Republic moved to level 4 of its PES system on Friday, December 18 (though the PES risk score indicated the shift should have been done earlier). At this point, the PES score was already starting to indicate the 5th level, though the government did not put all restrictions prescribed for the 4th level in place. The actions then taken included a night curfew imposed from 11pm to 5am and limiting gatherings to only 6 people. Furthermore, visits to senior care homes were only allowed with a negative test and restaurants, hotels and fitness centres had to close, though all stores and services remained open. For the full specific list of measures put in place on December 18, see section 5.

“On December 27, the highest level 5 of the PES system was declared, and stricter preventive measures were imposed: only gatherings of two people allowed; night curfew 9pm until 5am; all nonessential businesses and services ordered to close (including, for the first time, closing parts of supermarkets selling nonessential items); customer capacity in open stores limited to one person per 15m2; weddings and funerals limited to 15 persons; churches open for just 10% of normal seating capacity; ski resorts closed. Only elementary schools’ 1st and 2nd graders allowed to attend in-person schooling after Christmas holidays (starting January 4), all other students on remote schooling again. Visits to hospitals were once again prohibited and visits to senior homes continued to be allowed with a negative test and a face covering. 

“Fines for violating the preventive transmission measures increased to CZK 50,000 for individuals and up to CZK 3 million for legal persons (the term legal persons refers to those liable, include companies and NGOs).

“Sources:
(1) MoH Extraordinary Measure No. MZDR 15757/2020-36/MIN/KAN
(2) Government resolution on adoption of crises measures, No. 1112
(3) MoH Extraordinary Measure No. MZDR 15757/2020-37/MIN/KAN
(4) Government resolutions on adoption of crises measures, No. 1079, No. 1103, No. 1113, and No. 1116

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Jan. 5, 2021.

Czech COVID-19 National Strategy: Testing and Long-Term Care Facilities

“Starting on November 4, long-term care facilities’ and senior homes’ clients (including home care) and their caregivers were ordered to be tested by antigen tests on a 5-day basis (7). Implementation of this measure turned out to be more complicated than the government expected at first, nevertheless by November 13, all LTC facilities were finally provided with the tests, which are covered by the health insurance funds. An amendment to the law was needed for health insurers to pay for the tests directly to the test distributor. Some 200 000 people should be subject to the regular testing.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Nov. 27, 2020.

Czech COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: Physical Distancing

“The State of Emergency ended on May 17. Due to the improved epidemiological situation, a relaxing of restrictions was accelerated in regard to the April 23 plan. For details on schools, business, and other restrictions relaxations, see Transition Measures: Governance in section 5. The Directive concerning wearing face masks in public places was relaxed on May 25, when people were once again allowed to be outdoors without wearing them, on the condition that they keep a 2 meter distance from others. On June 15, the two-meter distance rule was also abolished, although wearing masks is still mandatory at outdoor mass gatherings, where distance of 1,5 meters between people cannot be maintained. A total removal of the directive is planned for July 1, with exceptions for regions with higher rates of new cases (currently Prague and districts Karviná, Frýdlant and Ostravicí, and Frýdek-Místek in Moravskoslezský region), where face protection will still be mandatory at indoor and at outdoor mass gatherings, in public transport (Prague – only in subway), health and social facilities, etc. Visits to inpatient social and health care facilities were allowed on May 25, two weeks sooner than originally planned. For the Karviná and Frýdek-Místek districts, gatherings of more than 100 people and visits to inpatient facilities are prohibited again starting June 30 (exceptions apply: minors’ and mothers-to-be accompany).

“A designated MoH webpage keeps track of releasing or loosening various restrictions: https://koronavirus.mzcr.cz/uvolnovani-opatreni/

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed August 28, 2020.

Czech COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: Population Coverage and Benefits

“The HIFs [Health Insurance Funds] have widened benefit entitlements and providers’ reimbursements to include telemedicine for most outpatient specialists, who are now able to claim these procedures without further conditions. For example, even dentists can perform telemedicine consultations with their patients, and the reimbursement is 55 CZK (2 EUR) [7]. Most of these reimbursement measures were only meant to  temporary and were withdrawn by June 30 [12].

“An Extraordinary Measure of the Ministry of Health ordered the hospitals to free up beds and make health workers available for COVID-19 treatment, as part of the effort to increase capacity. This changed the structure of beds, which was contracted by the HIFs. The HIFs officially accepted such changes as “contracted capacity”, otherwise providers would face a penalty clause [8]; ]; this measure was called off by June 3 [12].

“VZP, the largest HIF with a 60% market share, offered monthly advance payment of 50 000 CZK (1 850 EUR) to its contracted dentists who continued to provide services and operate at least 17 hours per week during the state of emergency. VZP also increased the reimbursement for dental care to COVID-19 positive patients by 3 000 CZK (111 EUR) per treatment [9]. This measure was called off by June 30 [12].”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed August 7, 2020.

Czech COVID-19 National Strategy: Physical Distancing, Business and Facility Closing

“The first three Covid-19 cases were detected in the Czech Republic on March 1st, 2020. On March 2, the government issued a recommendation that the public should limit visits to long-term care facilities, senior houses and other similar facilities. The government also decided that a Biathlon World Cup event in Nové Město nad Moravou would take place without spectators [1]. On March 4, the National Security Council (a standing body of the government responsible for coordinating the Czech Republic’s security issues) decided that organizers of mass gatherings with over 5000 attendees have to report participants’ information to the public health authority in order to evaluate risk of disease transmission. No other limits on large events were deemed necessary at that time [2].

“Since March 9, 2020, the Ministry of Health prohibited visits to hospitals and social care homes, with exemptions for accompanying young patients and new-born departments.

“Starting on March 11, the government ordered the cancellation of all public events with an expected attendance of 100 or more people and closed schools (primary, secondary, tertiary, including universities), both public and privately owned [3]. Preschool facilities were not included to enable parents to continue working. Also, recommendations were issued on limiting physical contact among people and keeping safe distance [4]. In addition, visits to inpatient facilities were prohibited with a few exceptions (terminally-ill, minors, etc.) [5].”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed May 20, 2021.

“On March 12, the State of Emergency was declared and regulations were further tightened. The ban on public events was broadened to all events with 30 or more expected visitors. Other public places such as fitness centres and indoor swimming pools were closed, including catering facilities in large shopping centres. Other restaurants, bars or buffets were ordered to remain closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m [6].

“On March 14, all non-essential businesses and stores were ordered to close [7]. The government resolution also included catering facilities except for takeaway food sales. Exceptions include grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies and gas stations, newsagents, florists, electronics, animals, animal food, cigarettes and tobacco, internet sales, and haberdasheries (as of March 16, in reaction to high demand for materials for home-made face masks). On April 9, 2020, exceptions were expanded to include bike services and hobby markets.

“As of March 16, the government restricted free movement, with exceptions for travel to work, necessary visits with family members, securing basic needs, health care facilities, etc. People are ordered to only go to public places if necessary and to limit their contact with other people. Other recommendations from the government include using contactless payment in stores and ensuring 2 meters physical distancing. Employers are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home if possible, to support taking regular leaves and to limit business non-essential work [8]. The measure was initially set for one week, but was prolonged and as of April 8 is still in force.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed May 20, 2021.

“On March 16, the government recommended that people aged 70+ years should not to leave their homes, except for necessary visits to health care facilities [9]. The government also imposed a curfew on selected social service facilities [10]. Starting March 19, seniors (65+ years) have a special time reserved to do grocery shopping. This time interval has been changed several times; as of April 14 it is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., applies only to large grocery stores (more than 500m2), and also includes disabled people over 50 years of age [11].

“Starting from March 19, people are obliged to cover their mouth and nose when outside [12]. Wearing masks is not limited to professional face masks, and people have started to make their own cotton masks at home. Any kind of protection that prevents the spread of airborne droplets is sufficient [13].

“On March 24, freedom of movement was further restricted. The new regulation allows for a maximum of two people together in public places (exceptions include household members, working outside, etc) and makes the 2 metres distance an obligation [14]. Since April 6, store owners must ensure that strict sanitary measures are fulfilled, including keeping a 2 meter distance between customers [15].”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed May 20, 2021.

Economy and State Aid

“Further measures approved by the Parliament on April 8, with subsequent implementation:
“Among these, a moratorium on repayment of loans and mortgages that would be binding for all banks and non-banking companies allows both natural and corporate debtors to suspend repayment for three or six months, depending on their choice [22] .)

“Extraordinary legislation prohibits rent termination notice for tenants in financial distress caused by the anti-epidemic measures. Rent payments for up to 6 months can be postponed without penalty and all overdue rents have to be paid by April 2021 [23].

“In the second half of April, COVID III programme was introduced, as a further extension of COVID II programme.

“Food and goods supply were uninterrupted, and no extraordinary state measures were introduced.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed May 7, 2020.

External Travel

“Goods: formally there is free movement, however it is significantly complicated by border controls (medical checks) and limited number of open border crossings.

“People: Restrictions on external travels have been gradually increasing. Since March 15, 2020, 15 countries were identified as Covid-19 high-risk countries and travellers from these countries were obliged to 14-day quarantine [6]. Starting March 31, 2020, 00:00, the government prohibited entry to the Czech Republic for all foreigners, with defined exceptions, and exit from the Czech Republic, with defined exceptions (for example one-off country exit for foreigners and for Czech citizens residing in a foreign country). For cross-border movement exceptions see section 6.1. All incoming people are subject to 14-day quarantine, exceptions apply (see 6.1). The general border closure was designed to be valid until the end of State of Emergency (originally April 12, 2020, currently prolonged till April 30, 2020) [7].

“As of April 14, 2020, external travel restrictions are partially relaxed: in urgent and exceptional matters people are allowed to leave the country for less than 24 hours, the 14-day quarantine does not apply, and travel reasons have to be proved. Subject to 14-day quarantine, people can leave the country for more than 24 hours due to necessary and justified matters such as business travel (based on employment contract) or family reasons [8].
 
“As of April 27, 2020, restrictions were further relaxed. Entering the Czech Republic is possible only for special groups, such as workers (up to 72 hours within the Czech borders), students, commuters. Czech residents can freely leave the Czech Republic, but have to be quarantined for 14 days, if they are not members of one of the above mentioned groups. [29]

“There are stricter limitations by neighbouring countries that limit the mobility.

“Link to country’s official travel advice:
https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/cestujeme/aktualni_doporuceni_a_varovani/index.html

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed May 7, 2020.

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Page last updated April 3, 2021 by Doug McVay, Editor.