Extension of the Antivirus A programme 

Minister Maláčová is going to introduce an extension of the ‘Antivirus A’ (newly renamed Antivirus Plus) programme for the whole length of the anti-COVID 19 measures and retrospectively from 1 October. According to Mrs. Maláčová, the compensation should be full this time and the upper limit will be raised to CZK 50,000. This is subject to governmental approval.

There has been no update on the Antivirus B Programme, which predominantly assisted with partial unemployment, therefore it is possible that it will end.

Attendance allowance for working parents taking care of their children

Given the fact that from 14 October onwards all elementary schools (first to fifth grade education inclusive) are closed, it is likely that some proportion of employees will stay at home on paid leave. So far there are no changes regarding rules for the attendance allowance: 60% reduced average earnings and nine days duration (16 days for single parents). The government have prepared changes to the former rules. The proposal is at its second reading at the Chamber of Deputies and it is a matter of question whether it will be changed or not.

In the week of 26 – 30 October there are autumn holidays in the Czech Republic, so for this period of time the attendance allowance does not have to be provided. If employees would like to stay at home with their kids during this time, they will need to ask for a vacation.

Prohibitions, restrictions and recommendations 

New measures are regulated mostly by Czech Government Resolutions: each resolution and details regarding specific obligations can be found here (in Czech). The obligation to wear a mask or other protection covering your nose and mouth is regulated by a separate emergency measure issued by the Ministry of Health (here, only in Czech).

Prohibitions and restrictions since 13 October

The obligation to wear nose and mouth protection (masks) on public transport now extends to public transport stops. This will remain valid until it is revoked.

School restrictions from 14 October to 1 November

All types of schools and universities are closed for this period (elementary artistic schools included) and providing online learning. This is mandatory for elementary and secondary school students. Only kindergartens remain open.

There are few exemptions, the most important one is for universities training future health care professionals.

All leisure time centres, school clubs and after-school care centres are also closed.

Accommodation for students and pupils (for example dorms and university accommodation) is also closed.  There is an exception for students who are obliged to work and other future changes are currently being debated.

Prohibitions and restrictions from 14 October to 3 November

• Gatherings of more than six people both indoor and outdoor are prohibited, with the exception of people who live together;
• Individuals cannot be in public places in groups bigger than six except for job tasks, entrepreneurship or other similar activities.
• Drinking alcohol beverages in public is prohibited.
• Cultural and social events (concerts, theatre, events involving more than five people singing indoors, etc.) are prohibited.
• The active use of sport venues, gyms and outdoor sport venues is prohibited.
• Artificial swimming pools, and sauna, solarium and salt caves are prohibited except for the provision of health care services
• Restaurants and similar places where food and drinks cannot have customers on site.
• They are only permitted to sell outside (through the window, takeaway) from 6:00 to 20:00.
• There is an exception for food services that do not cater to the public (reserved for employees, patients or guests in a hotel or other type of accommodation) These outlets are still subject to the  6:00 to 20:00 restriction, only four clients are allowed at a table, social distance must be maintained and the venue cannot offer wi-fi, no live music or dancing)
• The public is prohibited from attending music, dance, games or similar social events including music clubs.
• Restrictions have been introduced on shopping malls bigger than 5,000 m2 such as no wi-fi, one person must be in charge of ensuring restrictions are respected, places for gathering people (chairs, sofas, etc.) are limited, signs must be placed reminding customers about the need to respect two metres distance, and no gathering at busy places (escalators, toilets, lifts, etc.).
• It is forbidden to enter shopping malls, shops and places where services are provided, except those providing food services, and stay there in groups of more than two people. A two-metre social distance must be respected. This restriction does not apply to children younger than 15 that are with other people with whom they cohabit.

Other measures

Besides the measures described above, other measures have been issued that should remain in place until the end of the period of the state of emergency. They regulate:

• working duties of students in health care study programmes;
• working duties of students studying social service subjects whose work is needed;
• the provision of social services (this is subject to restrictions, for clients of homes for the elderly the right of free movement is restricted);
• care for the children of individuals in strategic jobs (healthcare professionals, etc.).