PRAGUE, May 26 (NNN-XINHUA) – The Czech Republic, on Monday, lifted more restrictions, including those on hotels, swimming pools, castles and chateaus, and the indoor sections of restaurants, in a bid to further reopen the economy.
Elementary school children are also allowed to return to school in small groups. Minister of Education, Robert Plaga, proposed that secondary school, vocational, and conservatory school students be able to return to classes on a voluntary basis beginning June 8.
A mandatory requirement for covering the nose and mouth in public has also been lifted. Wearing face mask is only required in enclosed spaces.
The Karvina region of the country will still undergo restrictive measures for at least another 14 days, following a large outbreak of COVID-19 amongst workers in the Darkov Mine, according to Health Minister, Adam Vojtech. A blanket test revealed that 212 miners and their close contacts tested positive for the disease.
The country will also begin reopening its borders to neighbouring Germany and Austria on Tuesday (today), in a further bid to normalise life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From Tuesday, we are opening all railway and road crossings with Germany and Austria, as well as, the Hrensko river crossing, and we are abolishing comprehensive border controls. We negotiated with our German and Austrian colleagues, so that the conditions would be similar for them as well,” said Interior Minister, Jan Hamacek, adding that a proof for a negative COVID-19 test will still be mandatory and border checks will be random.
The country is also opening up international flights again, at major airports today (Tuesday).
Crossing borders in non-designated areas will still be prohibited until June 13, and the external borders of the Schengen area will be closed until at least June 15.
