So here we go again. When we posted our last post about the covid situation and restrictions in late June, we may have honestly thought it would be the last one: after a slower rollout, vaccines were widely available to anyone who wanted them, our infection numbers were low, and the future was bright.

Well, some five months and one general election later, we entered a pretty brutal fifth wave in November 2021: the number of infections were breaking all previous records, and our hospitals started to fill up with mostly unvaccinated patients.

Right now it seems the peak of this wave is behind us, and the numbers of infections, hospitalisations and Covid-related deaths have been steadily falling, and some of the restrictions have been lifted.

So let’s look at what the situation and restrictions are, how did we get here, and what may be our way forward.

CAN YOU VISIT THE CZECH REPUBLIC AS A TOURIST?

In short: yes. If you’re fully vaccinated by any of the EMA-approved vaccines. (Sorry, Sputnik and Sinopharm!) Additional testing on entry may apply. You also have to fill in a short tracking form.

And if you decide to go, and have any questions - or need to eat well during your stay - please let us know. We will be happy to help.

Should you visit the Czech Republic as a tourist?

In short: yes… right now. Our numbers are falling from a pretty massive spike a month ago. The state of emergency ended a few days ago, and restrictions are fairly limited. We’ll see what omicron will do when it fully gets here, which it eventually will.

CURRENT SITUATION AND RESTRICTIONS - AS OF 28 DEC 2021

We’re now behind the peak of a pretty massive 4th (or is it 5th?) wave, and our daily infections are falling from previously record-breaking highs. The real number of infections may actually be a bit higher, but - in a controversial move - the government has stopped paying for covid tests in order to push people to get vaccinated (who still have access to free tests), so we don’t really know. But all in all, we’ve seen a steady decline of cases over the past few weeks.

Right now, indoor dining is only available to fully vaccinated patrons, and there are capacity restrictions (only four patrons may set at a single table unless they share the same household). Gatherings have been limited. But museums, schools, retail shops and cultural facilities are all still open with just a few restrictions.

Current covid situation and restrictions in the Czech Republic

Only fully vaccinated patrons may be seated down for in-door dining. The certificates will be checked by the restaurant/coffee shop etc.
Face masks must be worn in all interior premises. You may take the mask off at your table in a restaurant.
Tables may not be shared by more than 4 people, unless they share one household. Gatherings are limited to 50 attendants and social distancing must be practiced.

WHAT ARE CZECHIA’S LATEST COVID NUMBERS? REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 28.

New daily cases: 9,089
7-Day Incidence per 100,000: 338 (Germany: 194, Austria: 162, US: 564, UK: 1,177)
All current cases: 120,756
In hospital with Covid: 3,460 (with just under 10,000 at the height of the third wave)
Total casualties to this day: 35,975
Total infections to this day: 2,454,291
(Total Czechia’s population to give context to the numbers: about 10.7 million)
Executive summary: We are now behind the peak of a pretty brutal fifth wave. Nearly everything is open with only a few limitations.

COVID VACCINATIONS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Over 62% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Nearly 65% of the population is partially vaccinated.
Nearly 21% of the population has had a booster shot so far.
Pfizer is the most common vaccine (over 80% of all shots administered), followed by Moderna, Astra/Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The authorities have stopped administering the Astra/Zeneca vaccine and are slowly shying away from Johnson & Johnson.
Executive summary: After a slow rollout and a speedy spring and early summer, the vaccination rate has completely stalled in late summer and early fall - our infections were low, and there was a lot of anti-vaccination sentiment due to mostly BS on Facebook and other social media. The government took steps to disadvantage the unvaccinated in their social lives (they may not participate in indoor dining and have to pay for their covid tests, for instance), and that has lead to a new peak in interest in covid vaccinations. That said, we are still lagging slightly behind the EU average.