The Czech Republic will go into lockdown mode again to try and contain the coronavirus, the government announced Wednesday.
“From October 22 at 6 a.m. [until November 3 at 11:59 p.m.], free movement of the population will be prohibited, with a few exceptions,” it said on Twitter, adding that these include “travel necessary to work, to visit family, to purchase basic necessities, to see a doctor or the authorities.”
In addition, non-essential shops will have to close from Thursday, “with exceptions similar to those during the spring measures,” such as grocery stores and pharmacies, the government said.
The decision came after the country — widely viewed as a coronavirus poster child in the spring — became one of Europe’s worst affected areas, reporting a record high of 11,984 positive test results on Wednesday.
Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Jan HamáÄek, who also serves as interior minister, announced via Twitter that he had contracted the virus. “Yes, unfortunately I also have the coronavirus; tests … have confirmed that I am positive,” he said, adding that he was “probably” infected during a meeting with the agriculture minister and would now self-isolate at home but continue performing his duties.
“Please take care of yourselves,” he said.
