Brno Launches Virtual Christmas Markets
If you can’t do it physically, at least do it virtually. People can now buy refreshments, toys, ceramics, decorations and other handicrafts online in the so-called virtual marketplace. The purchase will support artisans who were supposed to sell their goods at Zelný trh in Brno and had to close their stalls due to anti-coronavirus measures. The website features links to the market sellers’ offers, contact details and e-shops. Even though Christmas is just around the corner, the products can be bought all-year-round. A wide variety of traditional Czech products including jewelry, ceramics, bath salts, toys, bells, art and decorations can be found on the Brno Markets website. The Czech government declared a 30-day state of emergency on Thursday, closing Christmas markets as well as nightclubs in a bid to stem COVID-19 infections. Other new restrictions limit the number of spectators at cultural and sports events to 1,000 people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19, or only 100 visitors, down from 1,000. Outgoing Prime Minister Andrej Babis, whose ANO party moved into opposition after losing a general election in October, said mandatory vaccination was an option as only some 6.3 million Czechs are fully vaccinated. Czech e-shops offer support to...