Czech Republic coronavirus updates, October 21: 11,984 new cases, further restrictions planned

The Czech Republic reported 11,984 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the highest daily total so far, according to data released by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

The Czech Republic has reported about 905 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks, and 7.1 COVID-19-related deaths, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Both numbers lead Europe. Belgium (828 cases) and the Netherlands (553) are the only other countries to report more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks.

There are currently 4,064 COVID-19 patients being treated in Czech hospitals, nearly four times more than at the end of September. Among those, 634 patients are in intensive care.

The number of COVID-19-related deaths crossed 1,600 this morning, with 97 deaths reported on Monday, and 42 on Tuesday. The total number of COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the outbreak now stands at 1,619.

Since March, a total of 193,946 people in the Czech Republic have tested positive for COVID-19. The majority of those cases have come this month. Currently, there are 113,219 known active COVID-19 cases in the country.

In efforts to curb the spread of the virus, the Czech government continues to impose restrictions similar to those that were in place during the spring, and Czech Health Minister Roman Prymula plans to announce further restrictions later today.

Starting today, face masks are once again mandatory at outdoor locations in cities, towns and villages where people are less than two meters apart.

Drivers and passengers in cars are also required to wear a face mask from Wednesday. Exempt from both measures are family members traveling together, and those playing or practicing sports.

Previous measures still in effect through the end of the month include a requirement to wear a face mask at most indoor locations in the Czech Republic, and the closure of restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, gyms, and other venues.

Within the Czech Republic, the highest rates of COVID-19 infection are now being reported in Zlín (880 cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days), Plzeň-North (775 cases), and Prostějov (770 cases).

In Prague, there have been 522 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents over the past week.