Czech Republic coronavirus updates, October 7: new record with 4,457 new COVID-19 cases

The Czech Republic reported 4,457 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, according to the latest data published by the Czech Health Ministry this morning.

The number of new cases represents a record high, soaring past the 3,794 COVID-19 cases reported last Friday. The weekend numbers also set new records, and Monday saw a rise in new cases over 3,000 for just the fourth time since March as well.

The ratio of positive results to tests performed is also hitting new highs, with a record of 24% confirmed on Sunday and 18% on Monday. The number of tests performed on Tuesday will be updated later today.

The death toll is also quickly rising. There have now been a record 29 COVID-19-related deaths attributed to Sunday, October 4, and 25 COVID-19-related deaths on Monday. So far, there have been 13 COVID-19-related deaths attributed to yesterday, a number that is likely to rise. The total death toll since the beginning of the outbreak now stands at 794.

Currently, there are 40,440 known active COVID-19 cases in the Czech Republic. There have been a total of more than 90,022 cases since March, the majority of which have come over the past month.

The number of hospitalized patients is also quickly rising, having more than doubled over the past week. There are now 1,387 COVID-19 patients in Czech hospitals, 326 of whom are considered to be in serious condition.

In Prague alone, there were a record 857 new COVID-19 cases reported yesterday. There have now been about 265 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the Czech capital over the past week.

Still, that ratio is higher in other areas. Over the past week, Uherské Hradiště has seen the highest rate of infections, at about 392 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents. Náchod and Liberec have both reported about 306 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past seven days.

Since Monday, a state of emergency has been in effect in the Czech Republic. See a list of new regulations in place here.

On Friday, Czech Health Minister Roman Prymula will outline further steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country; given the recent numbers of new cases, measures are expected to be tightened.

In a widely-shared letter published through České Budějovice Hospital, Czech doctors have urged citizens to respect the current threat and continue to follow regulations to help slow the spread of the virus.

"We don't want to cause panic and horror, but you probably need to hear this," reads the letter, attributed to department heads and chief physicians of infectious disease wards at major Czech hospitals.

"In our departments, we are fighting for the lives of people who, without coronavirus infections, would have another 10-20 years of quality life ahead of them. They are in their fifties, sixties, active seventies, who are only overweight, or have high blood pressure or mild diabetes. We try by all means to prevent them from ending up on ventilators, because if they end up on them, barely half of them will survive. Yes, young and healthy people will usually overcome COVID-19 without any problems. However, there are many people in our population who can end up dead, including many of you and your loved ones."

"Do not worry! But respect that COVID-19 is an insidious opponent," the letter closes.

"Show respect for the life and health of those around you. Frequent hand washing, face masks, and social distancing are the minimum you can do for yourself and others without major sacrifices. Follow government regulations and expert recommendations. Don't try to think of how the regulations can be bypassed. Think about your actions to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to at-risk populations - this may apply to you and your loved ones."

"We will continue to fight for the health and lives of each of you. But we can't do it without your help."