Restrictions in the Czech Republic will be lifted on April 20, with the opening of farmers’ markets, craft shops, and bazaars. Wedding celebrations with fewer than 10 people will also be allowed to take place.

From April 27, shops under 200 square meters in size will also be allowed to open.

The government clarified today that also shops over 200 square meters that are not located in large shopping centers will be allowed to open. They can reduce the sales area with safety tape and reach the required size.

From May 25, the outdoor areas of cafes, pubs, and restaurants will be able to open. Services including barbershops, hairdressers, pedicure and manicure facilities, spas and massage parlors, as well as museums, galleries, and zoos, will also be able open from this date.

The plan will be divided into five stages. The first restrictions will be eased on April 20 with craft shops, farmers’ markets, car showrooms, and second-hand stores to be allowed to open, and more shops and events to be added in stages, according to the ministry.

By June 8, large shopping centers could be fully opened again along with events up to 50 people, said Havlicek.

The Czech Republic ramps up efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus by banning meetings of more than two people outside the same household and mandating the closure of nonessential businesses, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.

The news is reported by Česká Televize.

The Czech Republic’s government decided to impose a two-week quarantine on 16 March with the exception of travel to work, to health facilities, and a few other exceptions.

The Ministry of Health has recently extended the measure, until April 1.

The draconian measures which will change every aspect of Czechs lives included:

• All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms
• Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves
• Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals

When in public, people should stand at least 2 meters apart.

Germany took the same measure three days ago when Merkel announced that “spending time in public space is only permitted on your own, with another person who does not live in the household or with members of your own household. When in public, people should stand at least 1.5 meters apart.”

After Italy, Spain, and Austria, the Czech Republic was the fourth European country to restrict people’s movements due to coronavirus.