Babiš: “The Epidemic is Back. Unfortunately.” PM Addressed the Nation in Televised Speech

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) addressed the nation in a televised speech on Monday evening, following the spike in coronavirus cases across the Czech Republic.

“After a nice summer, autumn begins and we are in a very difficult situation again. As always, I will be honest and open with you. The epidemic is back. Unfortunately.”

Babiš added it had been a mistake to ease measures in summer, but at the same time his government did not wish to impose the kind of restrictions that halted the economy in spring.

Babiš thanked people on the frontlines – healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, and soldiers – for their tireless work,  and outlined the following priorities. “We need to complete an integrated system with high-capacity call centers. Ensure a sufficient number of sampling points and laboratory capacity to report the test results within forty-eight hours.”

“We can do it, but only together, as it happened in spring. That is why we must be responsible, and consistent in following the rules. It will be difficult for everyone,” he added.

“I would also like to thank the Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch, who announced his resignation today, for all the work he has done. He is an honest and very hardworking person.”

“It is clear that a lot of people do not like and will not like the new measures. But we have to follow them now. For ourselves, and for others. Therefore, I repeat the basic rule of fighting the virus. Three R. Hands (ruce), face masks (roušky), and distance (rozestupy).