The Czech Republic exits the state of emergency: all the regulations anti Covid-19 in force.

The state of emergency, which was proclaimed on 26th November 2021, finished on the 25th of December. The Czech government has thus, enacted new anti-covid-19 regulations based on the development of the epidemiological situation in the country.

All commercial services, clubs, hotels, and similar facilities, as well as cultural, sporting and educational events, where a Covid EU Pass is required to be presented, will allow access to all those who meet the conditions of the O-N (vaccination or cure) system, namely:

-completion of the vaccination cycle (at least 14 days after the second dose),
-being in possession of a certificate of recovery from Covid-19 (no more than 180 days have elapsed since the first positive PCR test).

Those who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical contraindication (with a certificate of exemption) must have a negative PCR test result valid for 72 hours.

New provisions
–restaurants, bars, clubs and similar activities no longer have time restrictions. In contrast to the previous regulations, they can also remain open after 10 pm;
-all vaccinated persons are now entitled to five PCR tests per month paid for by public health insurance. Coverage increases from the previous 2 tests to 5 free PRC tests, while unvaccinated people over 18 years of age do not have tests covered by public health insurance;
-in all the restaurant business a maximum of 6 people can sit at the same table, with the exception of members of the same household. Tables of ten or more members are permitted, but a distance of at least 1.5 meters between groups of no more than 6 members is required;
-as of Tuesday 11 January, persons infected with the coronavirus and all those who have come into contact with them must undergo a quarantine period that is shortened to 5 days and no longer two weeks. In addition, a negative PCR test result and the absence of any symptoms are required to come out of quarantine after the 5 days;
–from 17 January, students will only be tested once a week, i.e. every Monday. The test concerns primary and secondary school-age students, whereas university students are not subject to this obligation.

From 17 January, the government wants to provide a new system of testing for the companies, namely, all employees would have to undergo antigen testing twice a week, regardless of vaccination (even those with the third dose) or recovery from covid. Exceptions are only health workers and social workers. The tests will be covered by health insurance, eight in January and six in February. Employees who do not comply will be reported by their employer and will have to wear respirators or work from home.

Measures still in force
Among the provisions operating during the state of emergency, some have been maintained, in particular:

-it remains compulsory to wear an FFP2 mask in the workplace, unless you are alone in the office or if the distance of 1.5 m between workers’ stations is respected.
–maximum of 1000 people seated and respect of the O-N system conditions for cultural, sporting and training events;
–social and other events in general, parties, dances and celebrations, maximum 100 people and in accordance with the conditions of the O-N system;
–funeral with no capacity limitation;
-the PCR test is valid for 72 hours;
-children up to the age of 12 are exempt from the obligation to test or to present a certificate of recovery from Covid.