coronavirus prague Archives

The Czech authorities recorded 506 new coronavirus cases on Friday, the highest number of new infections in one day since the outbreak began.

Czechia has so far reported 21,551 confirmed cases of the virus, with 411 deaths, including 19 over the past week.

The Czech government was among the first in Europe to introduce curbs on movement and business as the outbreak took hold. It began to lift restrictions since May but has reintroduced some measures as cases rose in recent weeks.

Face masks will once more be compulsory on public transport, at health and social care facilities, and in state office buildings from Sept 1, but the government rowed back on a requirement to wear masks in shops, restaurants, and common areas of schools.

Outdoor public events including soccer, which start new league season this week, may be attended by up to 5,000 people, if separated into sections of 1,000, and indoor events can host up to 5,000 in separate sections of 500.

The government plans to further relax restrictions on public events from September.

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According to Czech Health officials, at least 60 new Covid-19 cases have been linked to a party hosted in Techtle Mechtle on Saturday, July 11.

More than 120 people connected to the outbreak have since been put into quarantine.

The incident suggests just one “super-spreader” could have acted as catalysts for the spread of the disease.

According to Zdeňka Jágrová, Director of the Prague Hygiene Station, “the main spreader of the infection was an asymptomatic person, probably a young woman.”

The party was also attended by some football players from the reserve teams of Sparta Prague, Dukla Prague and Bohemians 1905

Bohemians had to interrupt the training of the youth teams. “The situation does not affect the A-team. The players are currently on holiday and we will start the preparations for the new season on July 27,” the club reassures the fans in a statement.

The number of active coronavirus infections topped 5,000 in the Czech Republic for the first time after labs reported the highest daily rise in nearly a month, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

The Czech Republic had 14,324 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, with 212 new infections on Tuesday night. So far, 360 people have died. At the moment, there are 647 infected people in Prague.

Last Friday, authorities tightened restrictions in the northeast of the country, reinstating compulsory face coverings, limiting restaurant opening hours and ordering checks on cross-border commuters.

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The Czech government confirmed on Saturday, July 11, that Serbia and Montenegro were added to the list of countries with a high coronavirus risk.

As a result, Czechs need a 14-day quarantine or a COVID-19 test upon returning to their home country.

Serbia

Serbia recorded 18 fatalities and 386 new cases over 24 hours in what Prime Minister Ana Brnabic described as a “dramatic increase”.

A wave of new infections came after a number of sporting events were allowed to go ahead amid minimal social distancing.

These included a tennis tournament organised by multiple grand slam champion Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for coronavirus along with three other participants at his ill-fated Adria Tour.

To date, Serbia has logged 370 coronavirus deaths and almost 18,000 cases.

Montenegro

In the last 24 hours, 58 people out of 468 tested on coronavirus were conformed positive, the country’s Institute for Public Health said on Friday, the FoNet news agency reported.

It added that there were 733 active cases.

Since the beginning of June, ten people died in the coastal republic, while in the last 24 hours, five patients recovered.

Podgorica declared the end of the epidemic on June 2.

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The daily number of new cases in the Czech Republic jumped to 260, the highest since April 8, Ministry Adam Vojtěch confirmed on Sunday morning.

As CT reports, that is nearly triple that of the 93 recorded on Thursday.

Chief public health officer, Jarmila Rážová, said the rise was due to massive screenings in areas where the virus is spreading quickly, including a mine in Silesia Region and a company in the north.

She also said that Czechs “did not behave in a responsible manner” when restrictions were relaxed after the health situation in the country improved. “However, the outbreak is under control and confined to local clusters,” she added.

On the contrary, according to Vojtěch, the situation in Prague is calming down. “The number of cases in Prague is declining over time,” he added.

The number of tests performed on Saturday (1,862) is lower by about half compared to Friday’s (4,300 tests).

The Czech Republic has had 11,306 confirmed cases while 347 people have died, according to Health Ministry figures released on Sunday morning.

There are currently 3270 patients. Most of them have a mild course of the infection, 122 are hospitalized.

The government has gradually removed most restrictions, apart from wearing masks indoors and limits on pub opening hours and large cultural events.

Last Monday, public gatherings of up to 1,000 people are allowed.

After 73 days, restaurants and pubs in the Czech Republic were able to open their indoor premises on May 25. According to new data from Storyous, a quarter of restaurants, along with some pubs and cafes, did not re-open after the coronavirus lockdown.

Storyous, a cloud POS system – which supplies cash register systems to 3,000 businesses in the Czech Republic, shows that almost 25 percent of restaurants, bistros, and bars remained closed.

“The number of indoor premises on Monday, June 1, was the same as last week. It is possible that a quarter of the restaurants will not open at all,” said the CEO of Storyous Igor Třeslín.

Stouryous maps individual companies through their cash registers. Restaurants can also create orders for suppliers through the system. “At the moment, 22 percent of companies have EET turned off in the cash registers,” added Třeslín.

“The average restaurant or small pub will have probably about two to three weeks cash flow in reserve, that ran out and we have staff not getting money as businesses have no money to give them. Even if you lock up your building, there are fixed costs, alarms, security, insurance. All of that goes on, people are at their wits’ ends,” says Daniel Kolský from Café Jedna, which has officially closed after six years.

“The current situation is not economically sustainable for us. Our goal will be to find someone to take over the business and continue what we have been trying to build for three years,” stated the official Facebook page of Miska Ramen.

Other bars have turned to technology to help adhere to social distancing.

Lubos Kastner, who runs several bar-restaurants in the Czech Republic, said his outlets have QR codes on the tables that fire up the menu on customers’ smartphones, allowing them to order without a member of staff having to come over.

“We’re operating on a reduced capacity until spring 2021 by which time hopefully they will have a treatment or a vaccine,” adds Kastner.

Yet many of Europe’s breweries and bars might not have that long. They need an antidote to financial ruin, and soon, or the hangover may prove to be fatal.

Can you catch the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from food? How should I do laundry now? Mundane household tasks have turned into a source of uncertainty and anxiety as families grapple with getting the basics done all while keeping their loved ones safe and healthy. Widespread misinformation about the virus puts everyone at risk and adds to the stress of having to filter fact from fiction.

While research into the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, we know the virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours up to several days.

The Deputy Health Minister, Roman Prymula suggests that “you should store the disinfected food in the fridge for two days before eating it, and when the two days have passed, do everything you can to avoid touching the food packaging,” he added.

Prymula points out that “the most important thing is to avoid contact with the surface of the package so that I don’t really touch something that I then bring into the mouth – like a spoon -, because it can be contaminated,” he explains.

“Previous learnings have suggested that coronavirus may persist in the air, paper, and tissue for up to three hours, on copper for up to four hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours, on cloth for 48 hours and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours,” says Prymula.

“I would recommend creating a so-called “infectious place”, where I would leave the things outside and not carry them anywhere,” he added.

Food packaging and handling precautions

Remove any unnecessary packaging and dispose into a waste bin with a lid.
Remove food from take-out containers, place on a clean plate, and dispose of the container.
Packaging like cans can be wiped clean with a disinfectant before being opened or stored.
Wash unpackaged produce, such as fruit and vegetables, thoroughly under running water.
Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, immediately afterward.

Czechs’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 103 to 7682, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed today, marking a third consecutive day of new infections accelerating.

The daily increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases steadily slowed from April 20 to 27, falling to 41 cases per day.

It was the lowest daily increase since March 13. From Tuesday, however, the daily increase began to accelerate again. The ministry has not yet published data on the number of tests performed on Thursday.

Compared to the numbers from Thursday evening, the number of people recovered increased by 33 to 3314 and the number of deaths increased by one to 236.

Czechs have been advised to stay at home as much as possible and continue to apply physical distancing.

In Germany the situation is similar.

Since Angela Merkel announced a relaxation of lockdown measures the reproduction rate of the virus – known as R – has risen towards one again. That means it is at risk of resuming rapid growth.

Social distancing measures in Germany will be extended until May 10, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff said ahead of a government meeting later on Thursday to review lockdown restrictions.

On April 30, the Czech Government has abolished the tax on immovable property acquisitions and at the same time cancel tax deductions for new mortgages.

From May 11, announced to have abolished the tax on immovable property acquisitions and at the same time cancel tax deductions for new mortgages.

Moreover, cinemas, and theaters, can reopen. Sports and cultural events (up to 100 people) will be able to take place again. The rule will also applies to weddings and church services.

The world is under no illusion that air travel could look a whole lot different in the coming months post-COVID-19. But just how different will it get?

Middle plane seats empty

The chief executive of easyJet said when flying restarts after the coronavirus crisis recedes planes are likely to operate with the middle seat empty due to social distancing regulations.

“I’m talking about this as an initial phase. Nobody knows for how long that phase will be,” said EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren.

Commenting on how social distancing on its planes would work, Mr. Lundgren said passengers would sit next to the window or the aisle in a three-seat configuration.

As Reuters reports, the low-cost Hungarian airline Wizz Air has made plans to fly jets only two-thirds full to allow more space between passengers (the airline is also looking into protective gear for passengers, so masks may become the in-flight norm).

Blood tests

Yesterday, we reported that Emirates had changed its health screening process to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The Middle Eastern airline has begun taking blood tests before passengers board aircraft to ensure that they are COVID-free. The airline is the only one in the world to be carrying out this procedure, but others may be tempted. Will this be a new norm?

As far as thinking about pre-flight blood tests go, it all sounds a bit extreme. However, the process is relatively simple. It’s also a relatively quick way to ascertain whether or not a passenger is infectious. For these reasons, pre-flight blood tests look attractive to airlines, and they do a lot to reassure passengers.

The CoronaPass

Another idea floated is that of an immunity passport. These documents would certify that the holder has been infected with coronavirus and has overcome it, having now developed the relevant antibodies to make them immune. It’s an interesting concept that does have legs, but how would airlines use it?

As a long-term strategy for regular service, it’s unclear how the immunity passport would work. However, the certificate, also dubbed the ‘CoronaPass,’ would allow those who have overcome COVID-19 to be some of the first to travel. In the not-too-distant future, therefore, the immunity passport could grant the passage of travel for some citizens.

Will boarding change?

Airlines like GoAir have been asking their passengers to board according to rows. It means that passengers are entering the plane from the back and are seated one row at a time from the front. This practice does require a little bit of effort. However, it’s similar enough to standard boarding practices.

Typically, airlines segregate passengers for boarding, but just not to this extent. If airlines still see the value in practicing social distancing, then seating passengers by rows is an easy enough procedure to perform. As a result, we could see our pattern of boarding change in the future.

The National Gallery Prague is “online”. The largest Czech gallery does its best to remain open digitally even at the time of the coronavirus pandemic. The NGP adapts to the situation presenting its current activities for the public mostly on social media.

Virtual tours, live broadcasts of exhibitions or online workshops – this is only a brief account of what the National Gallery Prague has prepared. Its online activities will cover the recently opened exhibitions and display collections that are mostly hidden from the public.

The NGP prepares a special format called “Do you have a minute?” presenting major artworks from the NGP collections on Instagram. Its curators and other experts also prepare the new projects for Twitter.

“We are in contact with our visitors and fans through social media keeping them informed on the latest news. We seek to offer good-quality works as much as we can in this situation. We do our best to adapt to it and respond expeditiously to the current circumstances remaining ‘open’ for our visitors to make their time under closure at least slightly more pleasant. We also believe that positive contents in the media are more needed now than ever,” says the NGP spokeswoman Eva Sochorová.

Virtual guided tours

Owing to a Komerční Banka donation, the National Gallery Prague can offer the first virtual guided tour presenting the exhibition Echoes of the Venice Biennale: Stanislav Kolíbal taking place in the currently closed Trade Fair Palace. Curator Julia Bailey will show the spectators certain parts of the exhibition seeking to create the impression that the visitor is physically present at the display. The guided tour is now under preparation.

Also under preparation is a documentary about the architecture of Brutalism linked with the exhibition called NO DEMOLITIONS! Forms of Brutalism in Prague. The program will be primarily designed for social media.

Educational programs

A team of experts, who prepare and implement programs for the public, works on online workshops and events designed especially for children.

The program called The Art of (Staying at) Home publishes a new challenge each week to stimulate children to creative activities inspired by a selected artwork. The tasks are playful and designed to be fulfilled easily using available materials. Anyone can participate and only materials and aids usually found at home are used. The first challenge inspired the children to create figures out of soap; they are easy to make and also reflect our day-to-day reality. Experienced educators seek to make the current situation easier for both children and parents by means of these enjoyable tasks.

Online collections

The National Gallery Prague houses rich collections of artworks and enriches them on a regular basis. Its online collections can be found at sbirky.ngprague.cz. The visitors can see the works from the comfort of their homes and study their nuances and details.

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The coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns have left virtually no industry untouched. Among the many affected is the short-term-rental industry, much of which is powered by Airbnb and the similar platforms that followed its lead.

According to Euromonitor, the number of tourists who spent at least one night in Prague last year was over 9.1 million, more than in Amsterdam (8.8 million) or Barcelona (7 million).

As a result, real estate prices and rentals have risen steeply in recent years, in all parts of the city. In the wider center from Smíchov through Karlín to Libeň or from Vršovice through Holešovice to Dejvice, this increase was partly due to renting apartments via Airbnb and similar services, which reduced the supply of long-term flats despite growing demand.

Within less than a hundred meters, you could easily find fifty Airbnb flats. However, the coronavirus pandemic completely changed the situation.

According to bezrealitky.cz, in March the number of apartments for rent in the Czech Republic increased by 16 percent. In Prague by 41 percent.

“To imagine, there are currently about 30 apartments that were used by Airbnb on Bezrealitky every day. If we took the growth for the whole month, we are on the growth by half compared to the previous one,” said Hendrik Meyer, CEO at BezRealitky.

Airbnb is dead right now

Airbnb is in crisis and, according to Reuters, the company has suspended all its marketing activities to save $800 million this year, and the founders will not pay any wages for six months.

In his message, Brian Chesky, co-founder, and director of Airbnb praised the company’s property manager partners and acknowledged that Airbnb needed to do a better job communicating with them. Despite what the company did with earlier reservations, Airbnb will stand by and enforce host’s cancellation policies for any bookings made after March 14, he said.

“The last few weeks have been a bit of a wakeup call for us. We know we need to be closer to you,” Chesky said. “We’re going to build things in partnership with you. We really are partners — or at least I want us to be.”

The company set aside $250 million to reimburse property managers for 25% of the revenue they lost due to bookings cancelled as a result of the pandemic. It set aside another $10 million for so-called Superhosts — highly rated managers of popular properties — to help them pay their rent or mortgages.

Airbnb founder: Joe Gebbia, Nathan Blecharczyk and Brian Chesky

“The expectations of Airbnb apartment owners are exaggerated”

Meanwhile, real estate prices are also falling in the rental market in Prague, which is, according to Meyer, a short-term effect related to coronavirus on the economy in general and not just Airbnb.

“The number of apartments to be withdrawn from Airbnb will increase. The main wave will not come until it is clear that the summer season will be without mass tourism,” added Meyer.

“In May and June, another 5-6 thousand apartments could be poured into the rental market.”

“Many Airbnb apartment owners have already decided to offer so-called mid-term rentals, for example, for a period of 2 to 3 months. They are often well below the market price of long-term leases, which logically scatters the dynamics of the market,” says the CEO of UlovDomov.cz.

According to Březina, however, most apartment owners are still waiting and hoping for the summer tourist season. If there is none in May and June, another 5 to 6 thousand apartments could be poured into the Prague rental market. However, those interested in rental housing should be very cautious in the coming period, especially if they come across suspiciously advantageous offers of apartments in the city center.

“We recommend them to conclude a contract for at least a year, ideally for two, and carefully study the terms and conditions – especially the articles related to the possibility of termination of the contract by the apartment owner. Although owners are temporarily forced to seek an alternative, it is more than likely that they will want to return to the original model and higher prices as soon as possible,” says Březina.

The fall in prices will not be sharp

Therefore, if the borders remain closed, rents will drop first in the central part of Prague and the decline will gradually arrive in other districts.

However, the decline, according to Meyer, will not be so sharp. Rents can reach the level of the beginning of last year, i.e. be six percent lower.

In the long run, however, residential housing prices are unlikely to fall. The willingness to buy will support central banks by lowering interest rates; buying real estate can still be interesting for investors seeking security against the economic downturn during the crisis.

“So, prices cannot be expected to fall – on the contrary, growth will continue, perhaps only at a more moderate pace. And the market is still not stopping for sales. In Prague, for example, we now see a 17% increase in sales over the previous month. The whole situation probably accelerated the already negotiated real estate sales,” adds Meyer.

Students threw a dorm party at the Větrník dormitory on the night of Monday to Tuesday, which was attended by about 30 to 40 students despite a ban on gathering due to the spread of coronavirus.

Despite the Czech government’s request to limit social gatherings of over 10 people, not all young people have taken advice about “social distancing” seriously.

The students are mainly foreigners attending the Erasmus program. Similar events were also held at the dormitories of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (CULS).

Because of the party, the virus appeared to be spreading among the residents.

“Unfortunately, there was a big Erasmus party at Block III at Na Větrníku dormitory. The students did not listen to the calls of the municipal police,” said the spokesman of Charles University Vaclav Hajek.

Charles University has already informed the schools where the students’ come from, mainly from Italy and Spain.

Minimizing crowds of people is an important step in preventing the spread of coronavirus, as even low-risk groups like young, healthy people can become infected with it without showing any symptoms.

As of Friday morning, there were 765 registered cases of Covid-19 in the Czech Republic. A number of people are in a serious condition but as yet no deaths have been reported.

Czech Post limits opening hours. As of tomorrow, all its post offices will close down at 4 pm.

Between 10 am and 12 pm (midday), they will be open for the elderly over 65 years of age only. Post offices also cancel their weekend working hours.

At the same time, the Czech Post is asking the public to visit its offices only in the most urgent cases.

Česká pošta runs 3,200 branches, with 124 closed to Prague city center. On Tuesday, the management announced that one employee at Prague’s headquarters in Politických vězňů Street had been affected by the coronavirus.

Moreover, as of Thursday, March 19, 2020, Czech Post suspend the shipments to China, Israel, Iran, South Korea, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Cyprus, and Georgia.

Today the Czech government has approved a ban on going out anywhere in public while not wearing a surgical mask or covering one’s nose and mouth with a scarf.

The measure is due to come into effect from midnight on Wednesday. There is a fine of up to 20,000 Kc for violations.

As of Wednesday at 2 pm there were 464 registered cases of Covid-19 in the Czech Republic. Three people are in a serious condition and three have recovered.

Over 1,300 tests have been conducted to date.

Middle plane seats empty

Blood tests

The CoronaPass

Will boarding change?

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