Prague's galleries, libraries, and museums to close over coronavirus from today

Prague, March 10 (CTK) – All state-subsidized organisations managed by the Culture Ministry, which means galleries, libraries, museums and heritage sites, will be closed due to the novel coronavirus, Czech Culture Minister Lubomir Zaoralek (Social Democrats, CSSD) told journalists today.

“We cannot rule it out that a large quantity of people may concentrate in the galleries, libraries and museums,” Zaoralek said.

They will be closed at 18:00 today and entry fees will be returned, he added.

Earlier today, the National Security Council (BRS) decided to cancel all public events at which over 100 people can gather.

Referring to the Health Ministry, Zaoralek said it was impossible to observe the recommended two-metre distance in theatres, study rooms or libraries in order to prevent the coronavirus infection.

Zaoralek and directors of the biggest state-subsidised organisations, which include the National Museum, the National Theatre, the Prague National Gallery, the National Library and the National Heritage Institute, said the measures mainly related to the public.

The Defence Ministry has cancelled the planned language, educational and career courses for both soldiers and other staff today, Defence Ministry spokesman Jan Pejsek said.

The BRS decided to suspend teaching at elementary and secondary schools as well as universities.

Pejsek said due to this, military academies would be closed, too.

Divine services can be divided so that not more than 100 people are present at them, bishops decided today.

The church-goers can also fulfil their Sunday duty of attending the divine service by watching it on television or Internet and listening to it on the radio, Czech Bishops Conference said today.

The measure declared by the government relates not only to the Masses, but also to other one-off events such as pilgrimages, marriages and funerals.

The Czech Republic has 41 patients with the new coronavirus for now, but no fatalities.