Czech anti-coronavirus restrictions on pools and spas eased today, event limit increased to 5,000 people

Swimming pools, zoos, castles, monuments and museums in most of the Czech Republic are now returning to the operation that was common before the coronavirus pandemic. People can visit them without restrictions, the current limit on the number of visitors as well as mandatory distances from does not apply as of June 22.

The June 22 easing of measures does not apply to the Karviná and Frýdek-Místek regions, where epidemiologists are dealing with local outbreaks of Covid-19.

Due to the favorable epidemiological situation in most of the Czech Republic, the limit for mass events has also been increased. Trade fairs or sports events are allowed with a maximum participation of up to 5,000 people at the same time, but only by groups of 1,000 in barrier-separated sectors with their own facilities.

Restaurant operators no longer have to actively prevent guests from gathering for less than two meters apart. Shopping malls can also open children’s corners. The changes also affected spas, which can now carry out group procedures without a limit of up to 10 people. The catering rules for spa guests have also been relaxed.

A maximum of 1,000 people can attend religious services and weddings. The same restrictions apply to sports training and matches.

Hygienists recorded a Covid-19 outbreak in a social services facility in Nýdek in the Frýdek-Místek region and in the Darkov coal mine in the Karviná region, where hundreds of people have fallen ill in recent weeks.

Unlike the rest of the country, the maximum number of participants in events in these areas will not be increased from 500 to 1,000, visits to medical and social facilities will be limited and staff of medical and social facilities and admitted patients will be compulsorily tested. With the exception of household members, people must also keep two-meter social distancing.

Another wave of relaxation of restrictions is expected from July 1, when people will be able to put away their face coverings indoors or on public transport, and a night ban on restaurants and pubs will be lifted. Prague may be left out of this wave, though.

The restrictions will remain in place in places with a higher incidence of Covid-19. In addition to the Frýdek-Místek and Karviná regions, this now includes Prague. Hygienists are registering new cases of Covid-19 in every part of Prague. According to them, there is a community spread of the virus in the capital, but there are also local outbreaks with dozens of infected.

For example, one of them is connected with a building in Prague 4. Another focus was connected with an amateur hockey match. Hygienists also recorded several outbreaks in the Olomouc region, in connection with primary schools, companies and a home for the elderly. In the Liberec region, there has been an increased focus on the manufacturer of plastic parts for the automotive industry.

The last fairs were held in the country in early March. The main fair season starts in September and October, when the situation should be even more favorable for the organizers. The head of the disbandment working group, Rastislav Maďar, said last week that from September, up to 10,000 people in 10 sectors will be able to take part in mass events.