COVID-19 update - October 2021

Because of the increasing number of new COVID-19 cases, new measures have been taken to improve the situation and encourage people to get vaccinated. At the same time, one of the measures concerning the return of Czech citizens from abroad has been annulled by the Municipal Court in Prague and will have to be revised.

Respiratory protection in the workplace

From today (October 25, 2021), it is mandatory to wear a mask (at least FFP2 / CN95 class) in all indoor areas of the workplace. The only exception will be for people who are alone in the workplace (eg in a separate office). It is also not necessary to wear a mask in certain cases if there is a distance of at least 1.5 meters between people.

With the same effective date, all employers are required to supply employees with enough masks for each work shift. This does not apply if the employee does not come into physical contact with other people during and in connection with the performance of work (eg telework outside the employer's workplace).

Non-infectiousness

From November 1, the validity of PCR tests will change from 7 days to 72 hours, and for antigen tests from 72 hours to 24 hours.

As of November 1, public health insurance will also limit the reimbursement of preventive testing of the population. The current frequency of testing – once a week antigenic and twice a month PCR test – will continue to be covered only for people under 18 years of age, people who have had the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and people who cannot be vaccinated because of contraindications.

Return from abroad

Effective as of October 27, the Municipal Court in Prague has abolished the obligation to fill in an arrival form when returning from abroad. According to the court, it interferes with the right of every citizen to enter the Czech Republic. The Government of the Czech Republic has already responded to this decision and prepared new measures that maintain the obligation to fill in the arrival form. However, it will no longer be necessary to undergo self-isolation when returning from the risky countries.