Coronavirus in Czechia: Changes in the O-N-T System, New COVID-19 Status App, and More

Due to the growth in the delta variant of COVID-19 infections, the government has decided to amend the O-N-T system (the vaccination-disease-test system). Specifically, one dose of the two-dose vaccines will no longer be sufficient to travel and use services from 9 July. Blanket testing in companies has ended, but some testing will still be required. Two different mobile apps were launched to help display and check one’s COVID-19 status.

Coronavirus in Czechia: What Is the O-N-T System and Where to Find Your Certificates

While the vast majority of the COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, some matters still need clarification. You can especially get confused if you’re an expat in Czechia, since some of the official Czech coronavirus websites have not yet been translated into English. For example, do you know which certificates you need to present for which activities? And where to actually get these certificates?

Coronavirus in Czechia: Most Recent Restriction Relaxations & Easements in Travel

The government has decided to relax some of the last restrictions valid in Czechia. These changes will come into effect on 26 June. Travel will become significantly easier in Europe for summer holidays. Third-country citizens may be able to enter Czechia if they’ve been vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine from 1 July. On the same date, vaccine registration will open for children over 12 years of age.

Protect Yourself: Subscribe to Insurance for Expats when Moving to Czechia

Have you thought about getting insurance before relocating to the Czech Republic? If not, then add it to your to-do list! Insurance isn’t usually something you have on your mind until you really need it. Or, in other words, before it’s too late. In fact, Comprehensive Health Insurance is mandatory for foreigners coming to the Czech Republic to receive a visa. Additionally, you can subscribe to liability insurance to cover health, property, or financial damage you may encounter during your time in the country.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Vaccine Registration for Self-Paying Foreigners from 11 June, Surgical Masks from 1 July, “COVID-19 Pass” Approved by the EU

Foreigners living in Czechia who do not have public insurance should finally be able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine. This should be possible from 11 June. People may be allowed to wear surgical masks in shops and on public transport as of 1 July. The European Union has approved the so-called “COVID-19 pass”. It should launch at the beginning of July.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Masks Off in Schools and Offices from 8 June, EU and Serbian Citizens Allowed to Czechia from 21 June

As of 8 June, teachers, students and preschool children will no longer have to wear masks during class and exams. Employees sharing one office can also take off their respirators. The number of people who are allowed to gather for events and sports has gone up. The government has also decided that as of 21 June, people from all of the EU and Serbia will be allowed to enter Czechia. 

Coronavirus in Czechia: Restaurant Interiors and More Services Open on 31 May

The government decided that restaurant interiors should open this upcoming Monday, on 31 May. This decision happened in reaction to the Supreme Administrative Court’s verdict regarding this issue. Aside from restaurant interiors, music clubs, casinos, swimming pools, saunas, and wellness centers will also open on the same day.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Two PCR and Four Antigen Tests for Free and More Easements

Based on the government’s decision, people in the Czech Republic will have a right to two PCR and four antigen tests per month for free starting in June. The deputies also discussed the reopening of more services, although the original topic of the meeting was the wearing of masks in the summertime.

Coronavirus in Czechia: Easier International Travel after 1st or 2nd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

According to the government’s decision, those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Czechia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia or Slovenia will be allowed to return to Czechia from orange and red countries without restrictions. That means they do not need to get tested or be quarantined when they get back. 

Coronavirus in Czechia: More Students to Return to School and Accommodation Services to Resume on 24 May

Monday, 24 May will mark more restriction relaxations in Czechia. High school students will be allowed to return to schools in full regime. Universities will also be allowed to reopen. On the same day, hotels and other types of accommodation will resume their business as well and indoor gyms and sports areas will be able to welcome up to 30 people at a time.