Immigration update: Czech Republic | New general measures against Covid-19
New general measures against Covid-19
There are 5 alert levels in the Czech anti-epidemic system. As of 18.12.2020, Czechia has entered a higher restriction level (from level 3 to level 4).
A curfew is in place between 23:00 and 04:59, when only movements for essential reasons are possible, i.e. work, health and safety reasons as well basic needs (including going out for dog walking). In the timeslot between 05:00 and 22:59, it is anyway only possible to go out for basic needs (visiting friends or close parents, doing the shopping, travelling to work, etc.).
Use of facemasks
As of 18.09.2020, the usage of a mask is mandatory in public places as well as within territorial clusters (for example in healthcare and social service facilities, on public transport, when travelling by subway etc.), with some exceptions. As of 22.10.2020, wearing a mask is also compulsory in vehicles with people who do not belong to the same household and in developed areas of municipalities open to the public, if there are more than two people present, who are closer than two metres from each other and who are not members of the same household.
Physical Distancing
Physical distance should be kept whenever possible, with some exceptions. In all establishments a 2-metres distance has to be maintained.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events.
As of 23.11.2020, only six people are allowed to move about together in public places and the right of organizing a demonstration is allowed with the maximum presence of 100 people in clusters of 20, maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres between each cluster. All participants must wear a face mask or other kinds of respiratory protection devices.
As of 03.12.2020, gatherings are allowed up to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
Places of worship
Weddings, funerals, church ceremonies and similar events can be held, provided that the number of people is limited to 20% of the capacity of the total seats.
Hygiene measures and the obligation to wear a mask are in place. It is required to keep a distance of at least 2 metres from each other, with the exception of members of the same household. Some churches are implementing also the possibility to attend virtual services.
Quarantine
A system called “smart quarantine” is in place. A confirmed COVID-19 case is contacted by the regional hygiene station to identify as many risk contacts as possible in the last 5 days. The regional hygiene station will then create a “memorial map” of the places where the infected person moved on the basis of mobile data. Subsequently, people are informed and isolated as quickly as possible and within 4-5 days they perform a COVID-19 test. Ideally, within 48 hours the result is ready and if it is positive, the new infected person goes through the same whole process.
Travel
It is possible to travel to the Czech Republic only for essential reasons. Travelling for the purpose of tourism, or to visit friends, is not possible. This decision does not affect cross-border workers in any new way. Border controls have not been re-introduced. In case of travellers for essential reasons, the following entry restrictions apply:
for EU countries classified as “high-risk” (marked in red) the free-movement within the territory is banned for 10 days. This can be terminated by submission of a negative PCR test result to the regional hygienic station either within 7 days from the entry, or right after arrival in case of a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Furthermore, a Passenger Locator Form is mandatory. The above-mentioned requirements are not necessary in the following conditions:
+ if your stay in a red country did not exceed 12 hours in last 14 days;
+ for cross-border workers, pupils and students coming from neighbouring countries;
+ in case of urgent travel (for work and/or health-related reasons) for a period of time not exceeding 24 hours;
+ in case of transit up to 12 hours.
For EU countries classified as “low-risk”, entry is allowed without restrictions and without the requirement to fill-in the Passenger Locator Form. In case a foreigner working or studying in Czechia, a confirmation of a negative PCR test result has to be delivered to the employer or the educational institution.
In case of “green” countries, entry is allowed without restrictions.
For more detailed, and always up-to-date information, please click on the link below.
Re-open EU (europa.eu)
Should you have any questions, please contact us:
Zsolt Bucilla
Relocation Consultant
Santa Fe Relocation Prague
Tel.: (+420) 602 385 127
Email: Zsolt.bucilla@santaerelo.com
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