Czech Republic ends coronavirus epidemic emergency

Prague, May, 5, (dpa/GNA) - The Czech Republic has ended the epidemic state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The last remaining measures, such as mandatory masks in health and care facilities, no longer apply as of Thursday.

“The incidence is falling and falling,” Health Minister Vlastimil Valek said in Prague.

Within seven days, there were 77 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the latest figures. Health insurers now only pay for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for the coronavirus if they are prescribed by a doctor.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic more than two years ago, 40,194 people have died in the Czech Republic in connection with a coronavirus infection, according to official figures.

The EU member state has around 10.5 million inhabitants.

GNA