The Czech government has declared a nationwide state of emergency, effective from March 12th for 30 days. Here we round up the practical implications of the new situation for Brno. Photo credit: Vlada.cz
Events and services
- From 6am on March 13th, all events involving more than 30 participants are banned. This includes theatrical, musical, film and other artistic performances, sporting, cultural, social, dance, and religious events (including church masses), exhibitions, festivals, pilgrimages, shows, tastings, markets and fairs, as well as other public gatherings, meetings, and demonstrations. Anyone organizing weddings during this period are asked to keep the number of attendees to maximum 30, though funerals may be attended by up to 100 people. The ban does not affect the operation of shops, public transport, or courts and other public authorities.
- In addition, all entertainment and recreation facilities, including gyms, solariums, wellness and sport centres and swimming pools, music and social clubs, public libraries and galleries, and Spilberk Castle, will be completely closed.
- Restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality/catering venues will be permitted to open between 6am and 8pm only, from March 13th. No restaurants or pubs will be open after 8pm. Any catering facilities in shopping centres with an area of more than 5,000m2 will be closed.
- The closure of schools announced on Tuesday has been extended to specialist schools eg. language schools and art schools. Kindergartens will remain open, but some kindergarten directors may choose to close facilities if pupil numbers drop significantly. Parents are kindly asked to keep their children at home if they show any kind of illness. Parents can check the up-to-date status of each individual kindergarten at this link.
- Brno City Council offices will remain open, with their hours unchanged. However, Brno residents are asked to use electronic solutions or postpone their requests if possible.
Transport and travel
- Public transport will continue as scheduled in Brno. If passenger numbers fall, holiday timetables may be considered from next week. Vehicles will be subject to enhanced ventilation and disinfection treatment, and doors will continue to open automatically for hygiene reasons.
- The government has banned citizens of “at risk” countries from entering the Czech Republic, namely Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This does not apply to any foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence in the Czech Republic. Czech citizens will also be banned from travelling to those countries. Exemptions will be in place for workers needed to maintain supply chains.
- Cross-border buses and trains will end at midnight on March 13th. After that only cars will be able to cross the border.
Important points of contact
- The Ministry of Interior has prepared an information sheet for foreigners (in English), updating rights and obligations with the new guidelines.
- The City of Brno publishes regular updates on the situation in Brno here: brno.cz/coronavirus (English).
- If you have concerns about your health and what to do, contact your GP for advice. You can also contact the National Institute of Public Health on 724 810 106 or 725 191 367.
- Those returning from at risk areas should contact the South Moravian Regional Hygiene Station on 773 768 994.
- If you have any questions about specific organizational measures (closed schools or institutions), you can contact the City of Brno by e-mail at koronavirus@brno.cz.
