The Foreign Ministry still does not recommend traveling abroad.Cross -border transport remains complicated

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against traveling abroad, although it is again allowed to cross the border from Friday. On its website, it points out that restrictions limiting the movement of foreigners are still in place in other countries, and that cross-border transport remains complicated.

"In connection with the expiry of the measures restricting the possibility of traveling from the territory of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to recommend traveling abroad only in urgent and necessary cases, especially due to the extensive restrictive measures and restrictions that are currently applied by most countries, and also with regard to significant complications in transport," said Czech diplomacy.

People who decide to travel abroad are advised to check with the embassy of the given country what conditions apply to entering and staying in the country. He also advises Czechs to register de in the voluntary Drozd database, thanks to which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can contact travelers in case of problems in the country.

From Friday, the government lifted the ban on free movement of people, along with the ban on travel abroad. Both were valid from mid-March. However, people who travel abroad will have to prove a negative test for the coronavirus upon their return, or they will have to undergo a two-week quarantine.

10:00 Russia has overtaken Great Britain in the number of infected

In Russia, 10,899 cases of coronavirus infection have increased over the last day. That's a slight drop from Monday, when the country reported a record 11,656 cases. In total, Russia has already registered 232,243 cases of coronavirus infection, which, according to the Interfax agency, ranks it second in terms of the number of infected people in the world.

8:30 In the last three days, only one patient with covid-19 died in the Czech Republic

One covid-19 patient has died in the Czech Republic since Monday midnight. This is the first victim with this disease in the last three days. So far, only March 23 and April 15 have recorded a day without victims of covid-19. This is according to the data on the website of the Ministry of Health after midnight on Monday. The first death with covid is from March 22. A total of 283 people have died from the coronavirus in the Czech Republic so far. On Monday, laboratories confirmed 53 new cases of infection, a total of 8,177. 4,738 infected have been cured.

TUESDAY MAY 12

19:50 In France, the number of deaths from covid increased again, 263 people died

Today, France announced another daily increase in the number of deaths related to the covid-19 disease. There were 263 more deaths in hospitals and retirement homes, bringing the total to 26,643. On Sunday, the authorities reported 70 victims, which, according to the Ministry of Health, was the lowest daily total since the introduction of the nationwide quarantine. It started on March 17, and from today its gradual release began.

17:45 From May 25, events of up to 500 people could be allowed

If the number of people infected with the coronavirus does not increase, events with the participation of up to 500 people could start taking place from May 25. However, the government did not decide on it at today's meeting. This was stated by the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) after the cabinet meeting. He spoke about the possibility last week in the House of Representatives.

17:30 If the reproduction number rises above 1, according to Prymula, it will be necessary to act

Increasing the so-called reproductive number, i.e. the average number of infected people from each patient with covid-19, above one would mean a slower release of the measures taken or the return of already canceled measures, according to Deputy Minister of Health Roman Prymula. He said this at today's press conference after the government meeting. According to the latest information, the reproduction number in the Czech Republic is currently around 0.7, which means that the epidemic is receding. In neighboring Germany, however, it rose to more than one.

16:30 People will not have to wear masks outside from May 25

People will be able to walk outside without a mask under certain conditions from May 25. The government approved it today, the press department of the cabinet informed. It will be necessary to maintain distances of more than two meters. According to the proposal of the Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch (for ANO), walking without respiratory protective equipment should only be possible if a person is outside alone or with members of his household.

15:50 The court rejected four more complaints about coronavirus measures

The Constitutional Court (ÚS) rejected four more complaints about measures taken by the government and the Ministry of Health to protect against the spread of the new type of coronavirus. Among them was a ban on traveling across borders, a ban on the personal participation of pupils and students in classes at schools, as well as restrictions on council meetings. Resolutions are available on the court's website.

14:35 Clothing and furniture stores opened in Belgium, queues formed

Also in Belgium, shops with non-essential goods closed in March due to fears of the spread of the coronavirus could reopen today. However, stores operate in a special mode, and in many places long queues formed in front of the entrances, in which people with covered faces observed the prescribed safety distances. At the same time, the Belgian crisis team announced that another 62 deaths related to the covid-19 disease and 368 cases of infection with the coronavirus were reported on Sunday.

14:20 Remdesivir will be administered to an infected woman in Brno

On Monday, the St. Anna University Hospital in Brno received a patient with covid-19 in serious condition from the hospital in Ostrava. It is the first hospital to administer the drug remdesivir. This was stated in a press release by St. Anna's spokeswoman Dana Lipovská. The hospital has remdesivir for ten people. He cares for patients with the coronavirus in a serious condition. He now has two such patients, but one does not qualify for remdesivir.

12:50 Roudnice company plans to produce 200,000 respirators per month

The company Pardam, based in Roudnice nad Labem in Litoměřice, produces a new type of respirators, they are designed against the coronavirus. They produce up to 200,000 of them per month. Previously, the company produced nanofibers, now it also has its own pressing equipment. Company director Jan Buk told ČTK on Monday.

12:20 The collapse of tourism and services will affect Prague the most, analysts say

According to the interviewed analysts, the slump in tourism and services in the first quarter hit Prague and regions dependent on foreign guests the most. 3.1 million people came to Czech mass accommodation facilities, 22.2 percent less year-on-year. Revenues of service providers fell by 3.5 percent. The results of the analysts did not surprise, but according to them, the epidemic will be fully manifested only in the figures for the second quarter.

12:10 Restaurants are opening in Germany

In Germany, restaurants are starting to open again. But their visit in the coming weeks will be significantly different than before the outbreak of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. People have to reckon with a limited number of seats at the tables, the need to make a reservation before each visit, the obligation to wear masks to the toilets or leave a contact on yourself in case the coronavirus appears in the given establishment. Familiarizing yourself with all the new rules may not be completely easy, also considering that they do not apply the same throughout Germany.

11:55 Cheb hospital, where the coronavirus spread, is returning to normal

The Chebská hospital, in which an increased number of cases of coronavirus infection among staff and patients appeared last week, has resumed the activities of most of its departments. The maternity hospital remains out of service, only the inpatient gynecology department is functioning. The maternity hospital could reopen within a week. The activity of the inpatient department of surgery and interns is also partially limited, said the spokesman of the Karlovy Vary Regional Hospital (KKN), Vladislav Podracký.

11:00 a.m. Since March, 15,838 people have stopped doing business, a quarter more than last year

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis in the Czech Republic, 15,838 self-employed persons have interrupted their business, which is 26 percent more than in the same period last year and 46 percent more than in 2018.

10:00 Russia reports a record increase of 11,656 infected

An additional 11,656 people have been infected with the coronavirus in Russia over the past day, which is the highest recorded daily increase to date. A total of 221,344 people have been infected since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

9:15 a.m. Sales of service providers fell by 3.5 percent, in tourism by a fifth

Sales of service providers in the Czech Republic fell by 3.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) announced this on Monday.

8:45 AM Tourism in the Czech Republic fell in the 1st quarter due to the coronavirus

3.1 million people stayed in hotels, guesthouses and campsites in the Czech Republic in the first quarter. Compared to the same period last year, it was 22.2 percent less. The number of overnight stays decreased by 16.7 percent year-on-year to 8.9 million nights.

7:52 Vice President Pence is not in isolation, the White House reports

American Vice President Mike Pence is not isolated. This was announced by the White House on Sunday evening, thus denying the earlier information of some media. She wrote that the vice president decided to isolate himself after his colleague Katie Miller tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.

7:50 Another 776 people succumbed to the coronavirus in the USA

The United States registered another 776 deaths of patients with covid-19 over the past day. That's the least since March. This follows from data from the Johns Hopkins University, which monitors the development of the pandemic worldwide. The total number of victims in the country since the beginning of the spread of the disease has risen to 79,525. In total, the disease has been confirmed in more than 1.3 million people. The daily toll hovered between 1,000 and 2,500 dead for several weeks. The highest number of deaths recorded so far was in mid-April, when over 3,100 patients died.

MONDAY MAY 11

22:45 Up to 15 days in prison in Chad for not wearing a mask

21:00 Johnson: Quarantine cannot be lifted even after almost seven weeks

The quarantine regime in Britain is expected to remain unchanged after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced some expected news after less than seven weeks of restrictions and urged residents to "remain alert for now". According to him, factory employees or construction workers should start returning to work, while face-to-face classes in schools will not resume before June. Johnson also announced a new warning system for a more targeted fight against the infection, the details of the strategy the government will present on Monday.

19:42 Governor Cuomo: New York is where it was at the beginning of the quarantine

In New York, 521 confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus were reported in the last day, which brings this American state back to the state it was in just before the introduction of movement restrictions. Local governor Andrew Cuomo said this at today's press conference, according to CNN. On Saturday, authorities registered 207 deaths caused by the coronavirus, which is 19 less than the day before. New York records the most infected and dead of all American states, even in terms of population. Almost 27,000 deaths are associated with SARS-CoV-2 here, the infection has been confirmed in almost 340,000 people. Since the second half of March, residents have been ordered to isolate.

19:17 France reports 70 victims of the virus per day, the least since the beginning of the quarantine

The favorable development of statistics regarding the epidemic of the covid-19 disease continued in France today. The government registered 70 deaths caused by the coronavirus in hospitals and retirement homes per day, which, according to the Ministry of Health, is the lowest daily total since the introduction of the nationwide quarantine. It started on March 17 and will be gradually released on Monday.

19:15 In Italy, 165 people have died with covid-19, at least since March 9

In Italy, 165 people infected with the coronavirus died in the last day. That's again fewer than a day earlier, when authorities reported 194 new victims, and the fewest since March 9. The number of newly infected people has now fallen below 1,000 for the first time since the beginning of March. The Office for Civil Protection reported a total of 802, and on Saturday it was 1,083.

19:12 Spanish clubs can continue training even after five positive tests

The management of the Spanish football league confirmed that five positive results appeared in the first wave of testing players for the coronavirus. But it doesn't change anything about other plans yet, the training program should continue according to the same rules, according to which it started this week. Officials did not disclose the identity of the infected players or the affected clubs.

19:06 Tokyo has almost full beds for patients with the coronavirus

More than 90 percent of hospital beds designated for Covid-19 patients in Tokyo have already been taken, Japan's health ministry said on Sunday, underscoring the urgent need to limit the further spread of the coronavirus.

18:20 The British balance of covid-19 has increased at least since the end of March

The British government today increased its balance of victims of the covid-19 epidemic by 269 deaths to a total of 31,855. The number of newly reported deaths is the lowest daily total since the end of March, according to data on a special government website. The statistics of known cases of infection have increased by 3,923 people tested positive since Saturday, so the increase just before the expected beginning of the relaxation of the general quarantine will not slow down.

17:50 Since the morning, 11 people have been infected, but three people have died

Since Sunday morning, 11 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the Czech Republic, bringing the disease to 8,106 people cumulatively. 239 patients with the coronavirus remain in the hospital. Since the morning, however, three more people have died of the disease, a total of 4,466 people have recovered.

17:15 Iran has 1383 new cases of coronavirus, 51 people have died

In the last 24 hours, 1,383 new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in Iran, and 51 people with the disease died. With reference to today's statement by the spokesman of the Iranian Ministry of Health, Kianush Jahanpour, the AFP reported about it. Iran is the country most affected by the coronavirus in the Middle East. A total of 107,603 people were infected in the country, of which 6,640 died.

16:43 Leading British statistician: The government's description of the epidemic is unreliable

The British government is not presenting statistics on the covid-19 epidemic in a credible way and its communication is a "numbers theatre". Cambridge University professor David Spiegelhalter stated this in an interview with BBC News today. According to statistics, the numbers of deaths and laboratory tests reported at regular evening press conferences do not correspond to reality.

16:32 The Prague transport company will start lifting the coronavirus restrictions

From Monday, the Prague transport company will strengthen bus operations, which have been limited since March due to the epidemic of a new type of coronavirus. They will run according to the so-called half-holiday timetables, which are common in January and February. The cable car to Petřín will also open with restrictions. The trams will return to half-holiday mode a week later, from Monday 18 May, when more suburban trains will also start running. The Transport Enterprise of the Capital City of Prague (DPP) stated this on its website.

15:22 Belgium relaxes restrictions, pairs of households can meet

The Belgian government has decided to try an original way of loosening the social restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus. From today, each household may invite a maximum of four people from another household to visit. This group of people will then together create a "coronavirus bubble", which can visit each other at home, but no one else should enter between them. According to The Guardian, the authorities have put citizens in front of a difficult choice regarding which of their loved ones or relatives they want to spend the next few weeks with.

14:01 Sweden will not feel the economic benefits of a more liberal approach to the pandemic

Sweden is apparently expecting a similar economic downturn as other European countries, even though Stockholm has decided not to introduce strict restrictive restrictions on trade and population movement due to the coronavirus. According to The Financial Times, this results from estimates by the European Commission and the Swedish Central Bank. The Swedish government also apologized today for failing to care for the elderly in nursing homes, which have been hit hard by the pandemic in the country.

13:26 Brighton's third footballer has the coronavirus

The English Premier League club Brighton announced the third case of infection with the coronavirus among its footballers. The first appeared in March, the second in early April. Another player joined on Saturday and will also spend two weeks in home quarantine. The names of football players with covid-19 have not been published.

13:01 Pope: If the situation were to last longer, two-thirds of the Central Committee would not survive it

If the current pandemic situation were to last another two or three months, the tourism industry would receive such a blow that two thirds of travel agencies may not survive it. Jan Papež, vice-chairman of the Association of Travel Agencies, said this on CNN Prima News today. He added that the offices have not yet received any basic help from the government to survive.

12:30 The Czech Republic is in 10th place in the EU according to the number of tests for covid-19

According to the number of tests carried out in the world, the Czech Republic is in 29th place with 302,493 tests, most tests are carried out in the USA (almost nine million tests), followed by Russia, Germany, Italy and Spain. Within the EU, the Czech Republic is in 10th place, just behind Austria and Denmark and ahead of the Netherlands and Romania.

12:05 The government will probably no longer ask MPs to extend the state of emergency

The government is unlikely to ask the House of Representatives to extend the state of emergency after May 17. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) and Deputy Prime Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) agreed on this in the discussion program of CNN Prima NEWS. The extension of the state of emergency until May 17 was approved by the Parliament at the request of the government, as stipulated by law.

11:24 The South Korean president fears a second wave of covid-19

South Korean President Moon Jae-in today warned of a second wave of infections after the country recorded the highest increase in new cases of covid-19 since April 9. This was reported by the Reuters agency. South Korea has begun to loosen some anti-pandemic measures in recent days. But it saw an increase in infections after nightclubs and clubs reopened, prompting the mayor of Seoul to close them again until further notice.

11:13 In the petition, people ask that it be possible to teach students in nature

In the petition, people are asking the Minister of Education Robert Plaga (for ANO) to allow children to be taught in nature after the reopening of schools. According to them, it is more appropriate than in a closed classroom, the current regulations only allow for teaching on school grounds. From Monday, May 11, optional classes for 9th grade students begin, children from the first grade should return to school on May 25, but only in groups of 15 students. Schools have been closed since mid-March due to the new type of coronavirus epidemic.

11:10 The Cinema City company has decided to postpone the opening of its cinemas

The management of Cinema City multiplexes in the Czech Republic has decided to postpone the opening of its cinemas until the situation allows operation without major restrictions. Currently, according to the company, the dates and titles of a large part of the upcoming films that the cinemas could offer to the audience are not confirmed. Moreover, with the new regulations and capacity restrictions in place, it is not possible to maintain profitability in the long term. Denisa Šandová informed ČTK about this for Cinema City. Another Cinestar multiplex network will start operations after two months on May 11 in 13 branches in the Czech Republic.

10:24 On Saturday, two cases of coronavirus were added in Slovakia with 1488 tests.

Slovaks did not register any deaths on Saturday, 22 were cured to a total of 941.

10:14 Singapore reports 876 new cases in a new wave, a total of 23,336 infected

09:42 Saturday's 18 covid cases in the Czech Republic equaled the minimum since March 9

There were 18 new cases of covid-19 in the Czech Republic on Saturday, the same as a week ago, equaling the minimum since March 9. 3717 tests were carried out, in at least six days. The proportion of patients among those tested thus decreased to less than half a percent. The number of tests has already exceeded 300,000. Since the beginning of the epidemic in the Czech Republic, the new coronavirus that causes covid-19 has been confirmed in 8,095 people. 4,448 of them recovered, 276 died. The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus fell below 250 on Saturday for the first time since March 27. The numbers were published on the website around 09:00 by the Ministry of Health.

09:02 Germany reports another 667 people with the coronavirus, 26 deaths

In Germany, the presence of the coronavirus has been proven in another 667 people over the last day, 26 patients with SARS-CoV-2 have died there. This follows from data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which monitors the situation. The daily death toll is significantly lower than in previous days, but German authorities generally report lower numbers on Sundays than on weekdays.

08:25 China reports 14 new cases of infection, the most since April 28

Mainland China reported 14 new cases of coronavirus infection today. This is the highest number since April 28, when authorities reported only one infected person a day earlier, Reuters reported. Two of the new cases were recorded in people who had arrived from abroad, 11 infected people came from the northeastern province of Jilin. The country has newly identified 20 asymptomatic cases, the most since May 1, the Chinese Health Commission said. The commission did not report any new deaths of patients with covid-19.

07:12 USA announced 1568 new deaths of patients with covid-19

The United States registered another 1,568 deaths of patients with covid-19 over the past day, less than the previous day. This follows from data from the Johns Hopkins University, which monitors the development of the pandemic worldwide. The total number of victims in the country rose to 78,746. In total, the infection has been confirmed in more than 1.3 million people.

05:05 730 new infected people died in Brazil, over 10,000 victims

For the past day, Brazil again reports a record number of deaths of patients with the coronavirus, 730 people died, i.e. almost the same as the day before. There are 10,611 newly infected. The total number of victims in the country of almost 210 million people thus exceeded 10,000, and the total number of infected is higher than 150,000, AFP reported, citing information from the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

SUNDAY MAY 10

21:54 Russia has been registering a daily increase of over 10,000 infected for a week

In Russia, an additional 10,817 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. Local authorities have been reporting more than 10,000 new infections per day there for a week. The total number of confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic in the country has approached the 200,000 mark. In terms of the number of infected, this country of almost 145 million surpassed France and Germany a few days ago and is the fifth worst affected country in the world. However, compared to Paris and Berlin, Moscow still reports a many times smaller number of victims of the pandemic. In the last day, according to the authorities, 104 people died there from covid-19, the total number of deaths due to infection with the coronavirus is 1,827. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 has already been proven in 198,676 people.

21:20 Dresden have two footballers infected, they won't be able to restart the season

A week before the resumption of competitions in Germany, the second division Dresden have two more footballers infected with the coronavirus, and the entire team has been ordered into a two-week quarantine. The Czech pair Ondřej Petrák and Josef Hušbauer also work in Dynamo, who according to the agent are not among the sick. Originally, the Saxon club was supposed to play a competitive match again on May 17 in Hannover after a two-month break due to the pandemic, but now it will not be able to restart the season.

21:00 In New York and New Jersey, the number of people hospitalized with covid-19 continues to decrease

In the two American states with the largest concentration of confirmed cases of covid-19, the number of patients hospitalized due to infection with the coronavirus continues to decrease. New York and New Jersey Governors Andrew Cuomo and Phil Murphy made the announcement today. The official balance of the epidemic there has increased by 226 and 166 deaths respectively since Friday, doctors are also continuing to investigate mysterious inflammations in local children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

19:54 France has a day with fewer than 100 reported victims for the first time since March

Today, the official French toll of the covid-19 disease epidemic increased by 80 deaths. Figures from Le Monde newspaper show that the death toll has risen at least in almost two months, with an increase of less than 100 last reported in the penultimate week of March. The decrease in intensive care unit utilization statistics and the total number of patients with coronavirus disease also continues.

19:50 The number of victims with the coronavirus has risen to 247 in Israel

19:33 According to the French government, love is not a reason for a travel permit

Couples in France separated by strict travel restrictions due to the coronavirus will have to wait until they meet again. Ministers have rejected a ruling MP's proposal to amend the law extending the country's state of emergency to include love on the list of reasons for traveling more than 100 kilometers from home, The Guardian newspaper reported.

18:39 The number of deaths per day after infection with the coronavirus in Italy fell to 194

In Italy, 194 people infected with the coronavirus died in the last day. That's less than a day earlier, when authorities reported 243 new victims. A total of 30,395 people died of covid-19 in the country, Reuters reported. On Friday, Italy became the third country where the death toll exceeded 30,000.

17:55 Today, the number of people cured of the coronavirus in the Czech Republic is increasing faster than the number of people infected

In the Czech Republic, the number of people cured of covid-19, which is caused by a new type of coronavirus, is increasing faster than the number of newly infected people. The number of recoveries rose by 32 from the morning to 4,446. There were 8,089 cases of infection before 5:30 p.m., 11 more than in the morning. Deaths with covid-19 increased by three to 276. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health. As of midnight on Friday, the number of cases of the disease has increased by 12, so the daily increase has been below one hundred for the ninth day. However, the number of confirmed new cases is related to the intensity of testing, which tends to be lower on days off. In addition, health workers are also monitoring the proportion of new cases of infection in the number of tests, which exceeded one percent on Friday after a week.

17:33 Another 346 people with the virus have died in Britain, a total of over 31,500

After four days of more than 500 reported cases, Britain's new coronavirus death toll fell again today as the government reported 346 deaths in a 24-hour period. The cumulative official toll, which is valid as of early Friday evening, has risen to 31,587 dead and remains the highest in Europe. The current figure was announced by Transport Minister Grant Shapps, who this time led the regular press conference of the British government.

17:14 Turkey has issued a two-day curfew in 24 provinces

In an effort to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, a curfew is in effect this weekend in 24 Turkish provinces. Almost 3,700 people have died from covod-19 in Turkey.

16:50 Brazil reports a record number of deaths of covid-19 patients

Brazil registered a record number of deaths of patients with the coronavirus in the past day, 751 people died. Similar to Wednesday, the infection was newly confirmed in more than 10,000 people. There are a total of 145,328 confirmed cases of infection in the country of almost 210 million people, of which 9,897 people have died, Reuters reported, citing the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

15:25 Iran registers another 1,522 people infected with the coronavirus and 48 dead

Over the past 24 hours, 1,522 more cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Iran, and 48 people with covid-19 have died. Altogether, the Islamic Republic, which is the country most affected by the coronavirus in the Middle East, has already recorded 106,220 infected and 6,589 deaths. 85,064 people recovered and left the hospital. With reference to today's statement by the spokesman of the Iranian Ministry of Health, Kianush Jahanpour, the AFP reported about it.

14:59 South Korean Seoul has closed 2,100 nightclubs due to the coronavirus

The South Korean capital of Seoul has closed over 2,100 nightclubs, bars and discos after dozens of people who visited these establishments last weekend after the anti-coronavirus measures were eased tested positive for the coronavirus. The measure is supposed to apply until the authorities decide that the risk of infection in the mentioned businesses has significantly decreased. It was reported by the AP agency.

14:05 Worldometers: The world registers over four million cases of infection

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection worldwide has exceeded four million. This follows from the statistics of the specialized server Worldometers, according to which over 276,000 people have died in connection with the covid-19 disease. According to him, almost 1.4 million people have recovered. More than a quarter of all infected people are registered in the United States, which is the worst-hit country in the world in terms of the number of victims and infected people. Russia is also reporting a large daily increase in the number of infected people. Brazil recorded a record number of deaths linked to covid-19. On the contrary, China, from where the infection began to spread to the world, reports only one newly infected person. Slovakia registered no new infections on Friday.

13:30 The Vuelta will adjust two planned Portuguese stages due to the coronavirus

The cycling Vuelta will not even visit Portugal this year. The organizers of the third of the Grand Tours have announced that due to the coronavirus pandemic, they will adjust the originally planned route and change the two stages that were supposed to be run on Portuguese territory. After postponing the race to the end of October, the three opening stages in the Netherlands have already fallen.

12:52 Belarus held a large military parade despite the pandemic

Thousands of soldiers marched today in front of many spectators during a military parade in the Belarusian capital Minsk in honor of the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism. Unlike his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, President Alexander Lukashenko chose to ignore calls for the introduction of quarantine measures due to the covid-19 pandemic and held the ceremonial gathering anyway. At the same time, he had previously described the fear of the disease as psychosis, Reuters wrote.

12:01 In Spain, fewer than 200 people died of covid-19 in a day again

In Spain, 179 people died in connection with the covid-19 disease in the last day. The daily number of deaths in the country fell below 200 again after three days. 721 people were newly diagnosed with the coronavirus. More than half of the country is preparing for the next phase of partial relaxation of strict restrictions, which, according to the authorities on Friday, will not affect the area around Madrid and Catalonia, which register almost half of all infections.

10:49 Slovakia reports no new cases of coronavirus for Friday

There were no new cases of coronavirus in Slovakia on Friday. 3910 tests were performed and 14 patients were cured. No one succumbed to the infection.

10:40 a.m. Russia has been registering a daily increase of over 10,000 infected for a week

In Russia, an additional 10,817 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. Local authorities have been reporting more than 10,000 new infections per day there for a week. The total number of confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic in the country has approached the 200,000 mark.

10:02 Singapore reports 753 new infections, mostly foreigners

Singapore recorded 753 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the number of recorded infections in the city-state to 22,460. The vast majority of the newly infected are foreign workers. With reference to the statement of the Ministry of Health, Reuters reported about it. Nine of the newly recorded patients are permanent residents of Singapore. However, according to the Singaporean ministry, most of the newly infected are migrant workers who live in hostels.

9:50 China again reports only one new case of coronavirus

Mainland China reported one new case of coronavirus infection today, which is the same as the day before. The country registers 15 newly infected people without symptoms, which is one less than on Friday. With reference to the local authorities, Reuters reported about it. According to the Chinese Health Commission, the infection appeared in a person who had traveled from abroad.

09:05 The daily increase in coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic has been below one hundred for eight days

The number of cases of the new type of coronavirus in the Czech Republic increased by 46 on Friday, a total of 8,078 people have been infected so far. The daily increase was thus below one hundred for the eighth day in a row. However, the share of new cases of infection in the number of tests exceeded one percent on Friday after a week. There were 273 deaths from covid-19 before 09:00 today, 4,414 people were cured. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health. Six more people have been cured since Friday evening, two more have died with covid-19. There are currently 3,391 infected people in the Czech Republic. As of Friday, 251 patients were hospitalized, 47 of them are in serious condition.

06:10 USA reports 1,635 new deaths related to covid-19

In the last 24 hours, the United States has registered another 1,635 deaths related to the coronavirus. This is a decrease compared to the previous day, when 2448 patients died. This follows from the statistics of the American Johns Hopkins University, which monitors the development of the pandemic worldwide. In total, the infection was confirmed in more than 1.28 million people, of which 77,178 died. Over the past day, almost 30,000 cases of infection have been added.

SATURDAY 9.5.

21:30 Germany introduces restrictions around three new outbreaks of infection

In the midst of the easing of restrictions, the authorities of the three federal states must introduce restrictive measures around new outbreaks of the coronavirus. The number of new cases rose sharply in the districts of Thuringia, North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, the DPA agency reported today. Today, the government of North Rhine-Westphalia temporarily closed the slaughterhouse of the company Westfleisch in the town of Coesfeld, where 129 people were infected. Also in Schleswig-Holstein, the coronavirus appeared in slaughterhouses. In the Thuringian district of Greiz, the infection spread among clients and staff of six nursing homes and one geriatric clinic.

20:00 Hospitalized in New York state for at least six weeks

The number of people hospitalized after infection with the coronavirus in New York state has fallen to a six-week low as of today, according to the authorities. President Donald Trump said today that the total number of victims of the epidemic in the United States may exceed 95,000. New York is the state worst hit by the pandemic in the US, which has already claimed more than 26,000 lives. Currently, 8,196 people are hospitalized, compared to 8,665 a day earlier. This is the lowest number since March 27.

18:30 Another 243 people died in Italy, the number of victims is already over 30,000

In Italy, 243 people infected with the coronavirus died in the last day. This is a lower number than a day earlier, when authorities reported 274 new victims. In the total sum, however, Italy became the third country in the world where the number of dead exceeded 30,000, Reuters reported. As announced by the civil protection office, the number of infected people in the country increased by 1327 to 217,185. On Thursday, there were 1,401 new infections, on Wednesday, 1,444. According to the number of infected, Italy is in third place behind the United States and Spain. The total number of victims rose to 30,201 according to the Italian authorities. Only the United States and Britain report more deaths.

18:00 Britain reports 626 new victims of the infection, more than on Thursday

In Britain, the number of victims of the coronavirus increased by 626 over the last day. This is almost a hundred more than on Thursday, when the authorities announced 539 deaths. In total, 31,241 people have already died in the country from complications related to the covid-19 disease. With reference to the Minister of the Environment, Reuters reported about it.

17:00 In Taiwan, sports are again played with spectators, a thousand of them are allowed in the stands

Fans in Taiwan can once again watch sports matches in stadiums. However, no more than a thousand of them are allowed in the auditorium, and in the stands, due to the danger of the spread of the coronavirus, they must observe safety distances.

16:00 Iran has another 1556 infected, 55 people with covid-19 have died

In the past 24 hours, 1,556 more people have been infected with the coronavirus in Iran, bringing the total number of registered cases of covid-19 in the country to 104,691. Another 55 people have died from the coronavirus in Iran, and the death toll is now 6,541. This was written by the AFP agency with reference to today's statement by the spokesman of the Iranian Ministry of Health, Kiyanush Jahanpour.

15:05 Football teams will temporarily be able to use five substitutions instead of three

Due to the coronavirus crisis, football teams will be able to temporarily use five substitutions in matches instead of the current three. The world federation FIFA announced a revolutionary change in the rules today. The news will apply in all competitions that end by December 31 this year. FIFA said it would be up to individual competition organizers to make use of the change. According to the world federation, the novelty was introduced due to the busy calendar that awaits the teams after the relaxation of the coronavirus measures and the resumption of competitions.

14:45 The unemployment rate in the US rose to 14.7 percent in April

A record 20.5 million jobs were lost in the United States in April. The unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent from March's 4.4 percent. It thus reached the highest level since the great economic crisis of the 1930s. This follows from today's data from the US Department of Labor, which reflect the negative effects of the coronavirus on the world's largest economy.

14:00 According to the media, five players did not pass the football player tests in Spain

When testing soccer players in Spain for the coronavirus, five positive findings were found among the players of the first and second leagues. According to the public radio station RAC1, these are three players from different clubs of the highest competition, two cases of covid-19 infection have appeared among teammates in an also unnamed team from the second league. According to the same source, on the other hand, players and the implementation team of Barcelona, ​​for example, passed the extensive testing without any problems. Therefore, starting today, the football players of the championship team can start individual training.

13:00 Spain reports another 229 victims of the coronavirus

In Spain, 229 people died after contracting the coronavirus in the last day, this is slightly more than on Thursday, when there were 213 deaths. The Ministry of Health informed about this today. Tests confirmed infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in another 1,410 people, so the increase was higher than the previous day.

12:00 In Korea, they are dealing with cases of coronavirus infection in nightclubs

In recent days, the health authorities in Korea have been focusing on a possible new outbreak of the coronavirus, which has probably become several nightclubs in the metropolis of Seoul. Reuters reported about it today. The country has seen only a few new cases of infection per day recently, but at least 15 people have been infected among clubgoers in the Itewon district, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

11:00 The Polish Football League starts on May 29 and ends in July

The Polish football league will start again on Friday, May 29 after the coronavirus break. The management of the competition announced the schedule of the next two rounds after the local government allowed the resumption of matches at the end of April. The season played without spectators should end on the weekend of July 18 and 19.

10:05 Over 10,000 people with covid-19 have been added in Russia for the sixth day in a row

The number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus in Russia increased by 10,699 in the past 24 hours, so the country has already recorded 187,859 infected people. It is the sixth day in a row that Russia has seen an increase of more than 10,000 new cases. Another 98 people died of the coronavirus in the country over the past day, bringing the total to 1,723. The Reuters agency reported on this, citing data from the crisis team.

9:00 a.m. The number of coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic increased by 57 on Thursday, at least in three days

57 new cases of coronavirus were added in the Czech Republic on Thursday, a total of 8,034 people have been infected so far. Thursday's increase was the lowest in three days. 270 people died from covid-19, which is caused by the coronavirus, and 4,372 have recovered. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 08:30 today.

8:00 a.m. China reports a single new case of the coronavirus in the last day

Over the past day, only one person has been diagnosed with the coronavirus in mainland China. The day before, there were two of them. It was written by the Reuters agency with reference to the statement of the local authorities. No one else succumbed to the effects of the infection. North Korean media reported today that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping to congratulate him on his success in fighting the coronavirus.

7:00 2448 more people with covid-19 died in the US in 24 hours

In the United States, another 2,448 people died in the last 24 hours as a result of the coronavirus. This follows from data from the American Johns Hopkins University, which continuously monitors the development of the pandemic. The total number of deaths related to covid-19 in the USA thus exceeded 75,500. More than 1.25 million Americans have tested positive for the coronavirus, with over 27,000 more in the last day. The United States is by far the most affected country in the world.

Friday, May 8

22:47 Foreign film crews will return to the Czech Republic with the easing of restrictions

Foreign film crews will start returning to the Czech Republic very shortly after the relaxation of restrictions introduced by the government in response to the covid-19 pandemic. It was written today by the American magazine Variety, which also reminded that the Czech Republic is one of the most sought-after film destinations in the world.

21:45 Hungarian: Clubs do not have to test footballers for the coronavirus

Due to the resumption of the competition, the clubs of the first football league do not have to regularly check the players, but in case of infection, the entire team is at risk of quarantine. In an interview with Radiožurnál, epidemiologist Rastislav Maďar, who is the coordinator of the ministerial group for the relaxation of the adopted measures, said this.

21:01 In Belarus, the number of confirmed cases exceeded 20,000

The number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus in Belarus has exceeded 20,000, local media reported today, citing the Ministry of Health. In Ukraine, which has approximately four times the population, authorities report 13,691 confirmed cases. But according to the available data, Belarus performed more tests than neighboring countries (229,466 to 151,569).

20:31 France again reports fewer than 200 coronavirus deaths per day

The official French covid-19 death toll for the day rose from 25,809 deaths to 25,987, which means a smaller increase than in the previous three days. At the same time, the daily increase fell below 200 for the third time this month, confirming the downward trend that began in the second week of April. The number of patients with covid-19 in intensive care units fell significantly again, according to Reuters, for the first time since March 25, they are below 3,000.

20:00 Fiorentina has three more footballers infected with the coronavirus

Another three Fiorentina footballers have contracted the new type of coronavirus. The club from Florence reported this after evaluating the results of the tests it carried out before returning to training on Friday after a two-month break. The covid-19 infection was also detected in three members of the implementation team.

19:45 There are more than 15,000 confirmed cases in Poland

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Poland has exceeded 15,000, Polish media reported today, citing the Ministry of Health. Hungary and Slovakia also report a slight increase in the number of infected people. In Poland, which has a population of 38 million, the infection has been confirmed in 15,047 people since the beginning of the pandemic, of which 755 have died and 4,862 have recovered. During the past 24 hours, 324 new cases and 22 deaths were added above the Vistula.

19:12 Representatives of entrepreneurs: Vouchers to support tourism are essential

Supporting domestic tourism in the form of favorable state vouchers is essential, according to business representatives. In addition, they require immediate, comprehensive and intensive assistance. It includes the rapid submission of an action plan to the government, which is now being prepared by the Ministry of Regional Development (MMR), as well as the reduction of value added tax (VAT) to ten percent for services in the tourism industry and the extension of the Antivirus program.

18:35 Italy reports 279 new deaths from the infection, one hundred less than on Wednesday

In Italy, 274 people died after contracting the coronavirus in the last day. It is almost a hundred less than on Wednesday, when the country recorded 369 deaths from the covid-19 disease. In total, the epidemic in the country has claimed almost 30,000 victims. Citing the Office of Civil Protection, Reuters reported on this today. There were 1,401 new infections today, which is almost the same as Wednesday's 1,444.

18:14 Companies may be able to postpone social contributions by a quarter of a year

Companies could postpone social contributions for May to July. They would pay a fifth of the usual penalty for the delay. They would then have to pay everything by October 20. The draft law was approved by the government today. ČTK was informed by the Ministry of Labor. The norm still needs to be discussed by the House and Senate and signed by the president in order for it to come into force. Social contributions include sickness and pension insurance and a contribution to the state employment policy. For example, pensions or maternity pay are paid from the collected money. The employer deducts 24.8 percent of the employee's earnings, and the employee pays another 6.5 percent.

17:59 Britain reports 539 deaths per day, but the trend remains favorable

The number of deaths officially linked to covid-19 in Britain has risen to 30,615 after 539 more cases were reported in 24 hours. Today's daily toll is lower than on Tuesday and Wednesday, and even more markedly lower than last Thursday, when 674 new victims were reported. British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab announced the latest information at the regular government press conference.

17:52 The total number of people infected with the coronavirus in the Czech Republic has exceeded 8,000

The cumulative number of people infected with the coronavirus reached 8,002 people in the Czech Republic. A total of 269 people died of covid-19. The number of cured people rose to 4369 people, 275 patients remain in the hospital.

17:50 The number of passengers in the Prague metro has doubled

Passengers are increasing in the Prague metro. While 393,284 entries and exits were recorded by the counters at the stations on May 1, on Wednesday May 6 it was 806,385. This is almost double compared to the beginning of April. So far, the fewest people have taken the subway this month on Sunday, May 3. This follows from the document of the transport company (DPP), which is available to ČTK. Due to the measures against the spread of the coronavirus, the DPP recorded up to an eighty percent drop in passengers at the time of the strictest measures.

17:42 The government will give instructions to the SSHR on Monday to purchase protective equipment

The State Material Reserves Administration (SSHR) will receive new instructions to secure stocks of protective equipment. The government will discuss the demands of all ministries on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry Karel Havlíček (for ANO) said at a press conference today. The head of the SSHR, Pavel Švagr, said this week that the administration is ready to issue public contracts for the supply of masks, respirators and other protective equipment after the individual ministries inform it of their requirements.

17:40 Banks will not immediately react to the CNB base rate cut

Banks will not immediately react to today's reduction of the base rate of the Czech National Bank from 0.75 percentage points to 0.25 percent by changing the interest rates on deposits and loans. This follows from a ČTK survey among the largest banks. According to them, the immediate impact of the reduction in rates will be felt by clients with interests tied to so-called floating rates.

17:21 ČSA will resume operations on four lines from May 18

Czech Airlines (ČSA) will resume operations on four routes from May 18, to Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm and Amsterdam. More will follow a week later. Prague Airport announced this on Twitter today. In March, the company stopped all regular flights to and from the Czech Republic due to the crisis. ČSA spokeswoman Vladimíra Dufková previously announced that the launch of the first lines will depend on the conditions of travel to selected countries. In the first wave of resumption of traffic, there are countries that do not restrict the entry of foreigners so much. From May 24, flights to Kyiv will be added, a day later to Odessa and Bucharest.

17:10 The government approved the law clarifying the powers of the Ministry of Health

The Act on Extraordinary Measures, which expands and clarifies the powers of the Ministry of Health during the coronavirus epidemic, was approved by the government at today's meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) told ČTK. The regulation, with effectiveness limited to the end of the year, should resolve the validity of the measure even after the end of the state of emergency, which lasts until May 17. But the cabinet's plan to ease restrictions ends on May 25. The government has not taken any decision on the issue of further extension of the state of emergency, added Hamáček. The Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of the Interior to prepare a proposal for changes to the crisis legislation.

17:02 Belgium reports a cumulative 8,415 covid-19 deaths, an increase of 80 in the last 24 hours

16:42 FN H. Králové has no patients with covid-19 after more than a month

At 3:45 p.m. today at the Hradec Králové University Hospital, there was no patient with covid-19 for more than a month. On Wednesday, there was only one patient with this infection under the care of the doctors of the university hospital, but he has already recovered from covid-19 and was transferred to another hospital with another illness.

16:18 Greece opens ancient monuments, wants to welcome tourists in July

Greece will open ancient monuments to visitors in mid-May, which were orphaned as part of measures taken against the spread of the coronavirus two months ago. Museums will also start operating in mid-June, Minister of Culture Lisa Mendoni said today. The southern European country now wants to focus on saving at least some of the profits from the summer tourist season and expects to open to foreign visitors on July 1, the Greek Reporter website wrote.

16:15 Maláčová: The government has approved remuneration for social service workers

Workers in social services will receive rewards for their work during the coronavirus epidemic. According to the type of activity and the risk of infection, they should receive 10,000, 20,000 or 40,000 crowns, said Minister of Labor Jana Maláčová (ČSSD). She did not specify whether the surcharge is one-time or monthly.

16:00 The patient treated with remdesivir in Motola is covid negative

The patient who was treated with the experimental drug remdesivir at the University Hospital in Motola is now covid negative. This was proven by a nasopharyngeal swab test, which the patient underwent on Tuesday, May 5. According to Tomáš Vymazal, the attending physician and head of the KARIM department of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Motol University Hospital, the patient is in good condition.

15:00 RegioJet will start traveling abroad next week, the others not yet

The first renewed bus lines abroad will probably go to Germany. RegioJet plans to fly to Dresden and Berlin from next Wednesday, and soon also wants to restore the connection to Vienna. Other carriers are waiting for the resumption of services abroad, the key will be the conditions of travel to other neighboring countries. The government will allow carriers to travel abroad from Monday.

13:50 Senators challenged the government's measures for commuters at the Constitutional Court

Eleven senators for the Starosty challenged the government measure concerning cross-border workers at the Constitutional Court. The court should decide whether the measure is properly justified and whether it is not discriminatory. Sokolovský senator Miroslav Balatka (for STAN), who has long been dedicated to the problems of commuters, told ČTK today.

13:15 We could ask for a longer state of emergency, admitted Babiš

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) admitted today that the government could request a one-week extension of the state of emergency if the House of Representatives did not have time to discuss the law expanding the powers of the Ministry of Health during the coronavirus epidemic. The state of emergency ends on May 17, the cabinet is counting on a number of measures until at least May 25.

13:00 We could take off the masks in mid-June

According to Adam Vojtěch, wearing face masks outside could end in mid-June. The obligation would still apply to closed spaces, such as public transport or shops, he said for Czech Television.

12:15 Vojtěch: From May 25, visits to hospitals and homes for the elderly will resume

Visits to homes for the elderly, hospitals or long-term care facilities (LDN) should resume from May 25. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (ANO) announced this on his Twitter account today. Clients and patients will be seen by their relatives after 11 weeks. According to the original plan to restore social services to senior homes, visitors were only supposed to have access from June 8.

12:05 In April, 254,000 people were out of work in the Czech Republic, the most in two years

In April, 254,000 people were out of work in the Czech Republic, which is the most since March 2018. The number of registered workers is mainly increasing. Unemployment rose from three percent in March to 3.4 percent, the Labor Office of the Czech Republic confirmed today. Labor Minister Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) already spoke about the April numbers on Monday. According to her, the data are still favorable.

11:50 The second part of the smart quarantine with eRouška and through Mapy.cz is about to begin

The second part of the smart quarantine project, which was tested since the beginning of April and launched widely on May 1, is on the way. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said this at today's press conference. The eRouška mobile application or location sharing via Mapy.cz will be connected to it, and a large call center will also be created.

9:40 a.m. Industrial production in the Czech Republic fell the most in March since July 2009

Industrial production in the Czech Republic, adjusted for the effect of the number of working days, accelerated its year-on-year decline in March to 10.8 percent from 0.9 percent in February. It last fell more in July 2009 during the economic crisis. This follows from the data published today by the Czech Statistical Office.

9:30 Construction production in the Czech Republic fell by 2.3 percent in March

Construction output in the Czech Republic fell by 2.3 percent year-on-year in real terms in March after growing by more than five percent in February. The impact of the coronavirus epidemic had a negative impact, especially in building construction, which includes the construction of apartments, offices or warehouses. On the contrary, engineering construction, which largely includes transport infrastructure, also grew in March, albeit at a slower pace. The Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) informed about this today.

9:20 Foreign trade surplus fell to 3.1 billion due to the coronavirus

The foreign trade surplus of the Czech Republic fell by 12.6 billion crowns year-on-year in March to 3.1 billion CZK. Trading was affected by the effects of measures against the spread of the coronavirus, both exports and imports fell. However, the decline in exports was more pronounced. This follows from data published today by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ).

9:10 The hairdresser ended up in prison, she opened the salon earlier

A court in the US state of Texas sent a hairdresser to prison for seven days, who opened her salon even at a time when restrictive measures were in effect due to the spread of the coronavirus, including a ban on the provision of hairdressing services. CNN informs about it on its website.

9:00 Two employees at Škoda Auto became infected with the coronavirus

On Wednesday, two cases of coronavirus infection appeared at the Škoda Auto plant in Mladá Boleslav. The company disinfected the workplaces of both employees, and common areas such as the company canteen and sanitary facilities used by the infected workers were also disinfected, said Tomáš Kotera, head of communications for the company. We write more here.

8:30 AM The government will hold an extraordinary meeting again to decide what to do after the state of emergency

The government will meet today at another extraordinary meeting due to the coronavirus crisis. Through the video conference, the ministers will again discuss how the cabinet could keep some of its measures in force even after the state of emergency in the Czech Republic should end on May 17. According to the press department of the government office, the ministers should mainly discuss other measures to mitigate the effects of the epidemic. Some drafts of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MLSV) could also return to the program.

7:50 Only two cases were added in China on Wednesday

Mainland China reported two cases of coronavirus infection on Wednesday, just as it did on Tuesday. As reported by the Reuters agency today with reference to the Chinese health authorities, the two newly infected arrived in China from overseas. The authorities are also registering six other people who, although they have the coronavirus infection, did not show any symptoms. There were twenty such cases on Tuesday.

6:20 AM There were 78 new cases in the Czech Republic on Wednesday

On Wednesday, 78 new cases of coronavirus infection were added in the Czech Republic, roughly the same as on Tuesday. There are a total of 7,974. The Ministry of Health will not publish the number of tests performed until 8:30 a.m. On Tuesday, the laboratories tested a record 9,416 people. So far, 4,205 people have been cured, and 262 people have died of covid-19 in the country. This follows from data on the ministry's website as of 00:30 today.

Thursday, May 7

22:40 The German football league will continue from next Friday

The German football league will continue from Friday, May 15. After today's government approval for the resumption of the competition after the coronavirus break, the league management announced the exact date for the restart. The Bundesliga will be the first league in Europe to be played again after the pause caused by the pandemic, without spectators in the stands.

21:20 Most shops will remain closed on May 8

Most shops will remain closed on the national holiday of May 8. Sellers will not use the state of emergency, when the ban on sales on selected holidays does not apply in stores over 200 square meters. Large food chains, hobby markets and furniture chains will not work. The exception is Mountfield, which serves customers in its sales centers. The Office Shoes and Destroy shoe stores in the center of Prague will also operate.

20:40 Brno is expecting a drop in income of over a billion due to the coronavirus

Brno expects a drop in income of more than a billion crowns due to the coronavirus, said Mayor Markéta Vaňková (ODS). According to her, it is still an estimated amount, not a certain amount. According to her, the city wants to save on operating expenses, not on investments, on the other hand, the drop in income could threaten, for example, the construction of an athletic hall near the university campus for almost 700 million crowns.

20.00 According to Minister Vojtěch, the wearing of face masks outside will be canceled in June

19:10 Denmark will open shops and restaurants, older schoolchildren will also return to school

Danish shopping malls, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to open from Monday, according to the government's plan, and another group of children will return to school. The cabinet of Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen proposed today the second wave of loosening of the restrictive measures taken due to the coronavirus epidemic. "The Government is proposing that we open the whole retail sector, including shopping centres, so that restaurants and cafes can reopen and older school children can start to return to their normal lives," the Prime Minister said

19:00 The British government already records more than 30,000 deaths due to the coronavirus

The British government recorded another 649 deaths caused by the coronavirus in a day, and the balance of the covid-19 epidemic in the country rose to 30,076 dead. This was announced at a press conference by the British Minister for Housing and Local Government, Robert Jenrick. The number of dead increased similarly to Tuesday, and the British balance now even more significantly exceeds that of Italy, which was the worst in Europe until Tuesday.

18:44 Italy reports more new infections and deaths per day than on Tuesday

Italy reports 1,444 more people infected with the coronavirus, this is more than was announced on Tuesday, when 1,075 confirmed cases of the infection were added in a day. The local civil protection office also reported a higher number of covid-19 deaths today at 369, up from 236 deaths on Tuesday. In the last 24 hours, however, the number of currently infected people has significantly decreased, from 98,467 to 91,528, Reuters reported.

18:33 The House of Representatives approved a contribution of CZK 500 per day to small companies as well

Small limited liability companies affected by the spread of the coronavirus will be entitled to a one-time contribution of 500 crowns per day. This is a similar support that was recently received by self-employed persons (OSVČ). The draft law was approved by the House of Representatives today in a state of legislative emergency. Now it will be discussed by the Senate. The contribution is intended for companies s.r.o. with a maximum of two partners, where both can apply for support

17:53 The Chamber approved the postponement of EET until the end of the year

Today, in a state of legislative emergency, the House of Representatives approved the government's proposal to postpone the electronic record of sales (EET) for all sectors until the end of this year. The reason for the postponement is an effort not to burden entrepreneurs during the coronavirus epidemic. The law will now be discussed by the Senate. At the end of March, Parliament already approved one postponement of the EET, which was supposed to last for three months after the end of the state of emergency.

17:49 There were 34 new cases since the morning

The total number of people infected with the new type of coronavirus in the Czech Republic is close to eight thousand, but the number of newly infected people is increasing more slowly than those cured. While the number of people cured of covid-19 rose by 185 to 4,202 since morning, new cases increased by 34 to 7,933. The number of deaths rose to 262.

16:50 Parents of children who do not go to school will probably continue to receive nursing care

It will depend on their decision whether they stay at home with their children or return to work. This follows from the statement of the Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch (YES). Nursing allowance for employees is provided by the Ministry of Labour. He asks the Ministries of Education and Health to establish clearer rules for the further payment of support.

16:20 The German government has allowed the Bundesliga to be played from the second half of May

The government has allowed the two highest football competitions in the country, which were interrupted by the new coronavirus pandemic, to be played without spectators from the second half of May. The league management will determine the exact date when Bundesliga matches will start playing again.

16:00 Ostrava City Hospital had to close the geriatrics department D

Ostrava City Hospital had to close the geriatrics department D with 28 beds. The reason is the occurrence of the coronavirus infection in this part of the hospital. Geriatrics is currently without 21 employees, 16 have been confirmed to be infected with covid-19, another five are in quarantine because they were in contact with colleagues at the workplace, which had to be closed.

15:40 High school entrance exams will be on June 8 and 9

The unified entrance exam for secondary schools will be longer than usual this year, because students have worse preparation conditions due to the coronavirus epidemic and closed schools. Entrance exams for four-year courses will take place on June 8, for multi-year gymnasiums a day later - on June 9. The Minister of Education Robert Plaga (ANO) informed about the deadline today. Earlier, the ministry decided that instead of two dates, children will only have one. According to the minister, the deadline corresponds to the schedule outlined by the ministry in mid-April. Thanks to the good development of the epidemic, ninth graders can return to school to prepare for the entrance exams on May 11.

15:20 The New York subway has suspended night service for the first time in its history

The New York subway suspended night service for the first time in its history at one o'clock in the morning local time (7:00 CEST) today. Local authorities decided to take this step in order to provide workers with more time to disinfect trains, stations and other equipment due to the covid-19 pandemic, which has hit the city hard, the AP agency wrote. For a long time, New York prided itself on the 24-hour operation of its subway, which only a handful of other metropolises around the world maintain. The round-the-clock operation of the underground was seen as a symbol of the relentless energy of the city that never sleeps, as New York is sometimes nicknamed.

14:20 Hamáček: The staff has not decided to end the widespread wearing of masks

The central crisis staff did not make a decision or recommendation to end the widespread wearing of masks. Its chairman and deputy prime minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) announced this on Twitter. He was reacting to the statement of staff member Roman Šmucler, who stated on the social network this morning that the duty will end after May 17 with the end of the state of emergency. Later, Šmucler, who was nominated to the staff by the opposition TOP 09, modified his statement.

10:22 Retailers are experiencing the worst year-on-year decline in sales since the beginning of the millennium

Traders' sales, excluding sales of motor vehicles, fell by 8.9 percent year-on-year in March. They grew by seven percent in February. The reason for the decline in March is the government's measures due to the coronavirus. Sales grew only in non-specialized stores with food, pharmaceutical and medical goods and in e-shops. The decrease in sales of motor vehicle dealers was almost a third. The Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) informed about it. At the same time, the statisticians pointed out that due to the extraordinary measures, the March data may be significantly revised later.

8:57 On Tuesday, the number of covid-19 tests in the Czech Republic exceeded 9,000 for the first time

Laboratories in the Czech Republic performed more than 9,000 tests for the coronavirus per day for the first time on Tuesday. They found 77 positive cases, the most in the last five days. The ratio of infected to the total number of tested rose to 0.85 percent, on Monday it was half a percent. The Ministry of Health registers a total of 7,899 infected people. The number of deaths with covid-19 has increased by four to 258 since early Tuesday evening. This is according to data on the ministry's website as of 08:25 today.

8:25 The survey showed only minimal absorption

Extensive testing for the absorption of the coronavirus, in which 26,500 people participated in the Czech Republic at the end of April, showed that the new type of coronavirus affected only an absolute minimum of the population. This was announced by the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) on Wednesday morning. According to him, the rate of drowning in the population is in the order of "units per thousand". According to the minister, in the most congested localities, this is a maximum of 5 percent of the local population.

WEDNESDAY May 6

22:59 Airbnb massive layoffs

The head of Airbnb, which has been hit hard by the pandemic and the shutdown of tourism, announced to employees on Tuesday that about 25% of its 7,500 employees worldwide will be laid off.

22:15 The Polish Senate rejected the proposal for voting in elections by mail

The Polish Senate, which is controlled by the opposition, this evening rejected an amendment to the electoral law, which introduces exclusively postal voting in the presidential elections scheduled for this Sunday. The Polish media informs about it. The change in electoral rules, which was pushed by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party some time ago due to the covid-19 epidemic, is now returning to the Sejm, the lower house of parliament.

21:01 Latin America already records 272,000 people infected with the coronavirus

In Latin America, the coronavirus has so far been confirmed in almost 272,000 people, of whom 14,400 have died. This follows from data from the American Johns Hopkins University. Roughly half of the deaths occur in the largest country in the region, i.e. Brazil, where the first case of infection in the region was confirmed at the end of February and which already has almost 109,000 infected. The second worst affected country in Latin America is Peru, which has so far recorded over 50,000 cases of infection and 1,440 deaths. Compared to Brazil, which has a population of 210 million, Peru with a population of 30 million does about seven times more tests (per million population).

19:25 More than 70,000 people have died from covid-19 in the US

In the United States, more than 70,000 people have already died from complications related to the coronavirus. This is stated by the calculations of the American Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and also the balance sheet of the Reuters agency. In the US, the disease covid-19 has so far been confirmed in almost 1.2 million people. In terms of the number of dead and the number of infected, the USA is the most affected country in the world.

18:44 Italy reports the fewest new infections in two months, but more deaths

In Italy, 236 deaths of patients with the coronavirus were recorded in the last day, which is about four dozen more than on Monday. 1,075 people tested positive for covid-19, which is the most in two months. The Office of Civil Protection informed about this today. A total of 29,315 people have died from complications of the infection in the southern European country since February, which is the most in the world after the United States and Britain. Over 213,000 people have been infected, but more than 85,000 of them have already fully recovered.

18:26 British toll exceeds Italian, 693 new victims announced

The official balance of the covid-19 epidemic in Britain has become the highest of any country in Europe after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced at a press conference 693 deaths recorded in 24 hours. In total, the government reports 29,427 victims, while in Italy the number of deaths officially attributed to the coronavirus disease rose to 29,315 today.

18:18 Liberec wants to abolish fees for restaurant gardens this year

Liberec wants to cancel fees for gardens in front of restaurants, cafes or pastry shops this year, allowing around 35 of them on city land every year. The town hall wants to mitigate the effects of the government regulation issued due to the covid-19 epidemic on business in trade, catering and tourism. municipality spokeswoman Jana Kodymová told ČTK today. The amendment to the decree was approved by the Liberec councilors today, it still needs to be approved by the representatives.

18:02 Oil strengthens significantly due to the easing of quarantine measures

Oil prices are rising sharply today. Several Asian and European countries as well as American states are relaxing quarantine measures. A recovery in demand is expected. At 5:40 p.m. CEST, the price of Brent North Sea oil rose by less than ten percent to $29.91 per barrel. U.S. WTI crude oil rose 16.8 percent to $23.82 a barrel at the same time.

17:51 More than half of the infected have already recovered from covid-19 in the Czech Republic

More than half of the infected people in the Czech Republic have already recovered from covid-19. There were 3,999 people cured before 5:30 p.m. today, 183 more since morning. The number of infection cases increased by 37 to 7,878 as of this morning. The death toll from covid-19, which is caused by a new type of coronavirus, was 254 early this evening, two more than morning. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health. Since midnight on Monday, the number of cases of the disease has increased by 59 so far today. This is more than Monday for the whole day, when there were 38 new cases, but on Thursday, the last working day before the long weekend, there were 103. There are currently 3,625 people with the confirmed infection.

17:20 The Litoměřice court fined Prymul 50,000 for threats

A fine of 50,000 crowns was imposed by the Litoměřice court on a fifty-three-year-old man for threats sent by e-mail to Deputy Minister of Health Roman Prymul. According to the investigators, for example, he wrote to the epidemiologist that if he declared a curfew, he would not do anything else in his life. Information about the fine was published today by the news portal iDNES.cz. The verdict is not final, the man can file an objection against it.

16:30 Macron: The French do not expect a holiday outside of Europe in the summer

The French will have to spend this year's summer vacation in Europe, and it is possible that they won't even look beyond the borders of France. President Emmanuel Macron said this today during a visit to a school in Poissy near Paris. The country is preparing for the first stage of the relaxation of the strict measures taken by the government in the fight against the coronavirus.

16:14 In Chebská Hospital, the number of infected people has increased, widespread testing will begin

There are 12 other people infected with covid-19 in the hospital in Cheb, nine employees and three patients. Due to the increase in cases of infection, all employees of the facility and their families are awaiting testing. Hospitals will transfer uninfected patients to other facilities. ČTK was informed about this today by the spokeswoman of the regional office, Jana Pavlíková. The region wants to have the situation at the hospital examined by an independent expert. "We are preparing the transfer of patients who do not have the coronavirus from the Cheb hospital to other medical facilities in our region, hospitals in Karlovy Vary and Sokolov. Patients with covid-19 will remain isolated in the Cheb hospital and will receive all the necessary care," said Jitka Samáková, chairwoman of the board of the Karlovy Vary Regional Hospital (KKN). The oncology department, which is in a separate pavilion, will remain in operation. He will continue to provide ongoing inpatient treatment and outpatient chemotherapy. "We are not starting a new treatment," said Samáková.

16:11 Cycling Giro and Vuelta will overlap after 34 years

The cycling Giro d'Italia starts on October 3, the Vuelta starts in Spain on October 20. The International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced new dates for races that have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. For the first time in 34 years, two Grand Tours will collide, as the Giro ends five days after the Vuelta starts.

4:00 p.m. The self-employed person's allowance will be paid even after April 30, but it will not increase

A one-off contribution of CZK 500 per day to entrepreneurs and other self-employed persons who have been affected by the coronavirus epidemic will continue to be paid after April 30. It was repeatedly approved by the House of Representatives today. At the same time, she rejected the amendment proposed by the Senate, which wanted to increase the contribution to 700 crowns a day for May and up to 900 crowns a day for June.

15:50 The Spaniards are considering extending the state of emergency, a new wave of contagion is at play

Spain is at risk of a new wave of the spread of the coronavirus if MPs do not extend the state of emergency for another two weeks on Wednesday, according to some members of the governing coalition. Even Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, according to local media, warned the opposition, which no longer wants to support another extension, that it would cause "chaos in the health system". According to lawyers contacted by the newspaper El Español, after the end of the state of emergency, valid until Saturday, the autonomous regions would begin to have greater competence in the education and health sectors, which could thus loosen the restrictions on free movement.

14:25 CzechTourism is preparing a tourism recovery plan

The state agency CzechTourism will prepare a marketing plan for the restoration of tourism. At the same time, it will be able to use the Mastercard Tourism Insights platform, thanks to which it will obtain data from search engines, booking and travel applications and social networks, as well as transaction data. This will make it easier to analyze the effects of the coronavirus on tourism. He will have free access to the platform for a year. According to Michal Čarný, CEO of Mastercard for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, digital technologies influence travel and the behavior of tourists. "With data from Mastercard, we can create short-term plans in response to the current situation as well as medium-term predictions tailored to individual markets and target groups. For example, it will enable us to distinguish groups of tourists according to their spending, to predict their preferences and needs, and thanks to this to better target marketing tools," explained the director of CzechTourism, Jan Herget.

13:00 Intelligence agencies have no evidence of the origin of the coronavirus from a laboratory

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance, in which the secret services of the United States, Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand share information, has no information that the coronavirus escaped from a Chinese laboratory. Their statement contradicts the statements of leading US officials, according to which the virus originated in an institute in the city of Wuhan. For example, US President Donald Trump declared at the beginning of May that he had information that gave him a high degree of confidence about the origin of the coronavirus at the Virology Institute in Wuhan, China. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday: "I can tell you there is a significant amount of evidence that this (coronavirus) came from a lab in Wuhan." China has repeatedly denied such allegations.

12:20 Grand Prix in Prague is postponed until September

The Speedway Grand Prix of the Czech Republic will not take place as expected on June 13 in Prague at Markéta. The World Championship Series race was postponed to September due to the coronavirus pandemic and related measures. The exact date will be announced later by the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) in cooperation with the promoter and organizers. The Grand Prix series was originally supposed to start in May in Poland, but the race in Warsaw was postponed, as was the following part in Teterow, Germany. Currently, the first event on the calendar is the British GP, which is scheduled to take place in mid-July in Cardiff.

11:45 The first case of infection was in France already in December

The first case of infection with the coronavirus occurred in France at least at the end of last December, i.e. almost a month before the disease covid-19 was officially recorded. According to Reuters, this results from the findings of a Paris hospital that subjected old samples of pneumonia patients to retrospective analysis. Yves Cohen, head of the intensive care unit at the Avicenne and Jean Verdier hospitals in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, told BFM television on Sunday that laboratory workers had retested samples from 24 patients who had tested negative for the flu in December and January. "Of the 24, we had one with a positive test for covid-19 on December 27," he said, adding that all samples were tested multiple times to rule out a possible error. The first three cases of infection were registered in France on January 24.

11:25 Britain has 32,000 deaths, the most in Europe

More than 32,000 people have already died from the new type of coronavirus in Great Britain, the most in European countries. Italy had the highest number of recorded cases to date, with more than 29,000 deaths. This is reported by the Reuters agency.

9:35 A taxi driver infected with the coronavirus will be released home

The well-known taxi driver, who is being treated at the General University Hospital in Prague, will be released this afternoon for home treatment. Czech Television informs about it. The experimental drug remdesivir was used in a patient with one of the most serious courses of the covid-19 disease in the Czech Republic. Taxi drivers were given the experimental drug remdesivir intravenously for ten days at the turn of March and April.

8:44 7,500 people were tested on Monday

Laboratories conducted 7,500 tests for the coronavirus on Monday, the most in six days. The ratio of infected people to the total number of tested people dropped to half a percent. Czech Television reported on it.

8:10 The number of new infections in the US is falling

In the United States, 1,015 people died in 24 hours due to the coronavirus, the AFP agency reported with reference to Johns Hopkins University, which monitors the development of the pandemic globally in constantly updated numbers. The number of deaths, recorded between 20:30 local time on Monday and the previous day, is the lowest in a month, according to the university. The total balance in the US reached 68,689 deaths. The number of deaths in the United States in the 24 hours since the beginning of April has not fallen below 1,000 dead, AFP recalled, adding that since mid-April the country has been figuratively stuck on a "plateau" from which it is trying to descend.

TUESDAY MAY 5

20:45 According to hygienists, there are 1739 cases of coronavirus in Prague, 78 deaths

In Prague, the number of cases of infection with a new type of coronavirus has increased by four to 1,739 since Sunday evening. There have been five more people cured of covid-19 in the last 24 hours, as of 18:00 today there were 705. The number of deaths from this disease has increased by two in 78 cases.

20:30 The interior will prepare an amendment to the constitutional law due to the measures

The government interrupted today's discussion of an amendment to the Act on the Protection of Public Health, which would have given the Ministry of Health, for example, the ability to prohibit or limit the operation of shops or regulate mass events. The Ministry of the Interior will prepare a proposal for the next procedure by Thursday in the form of an amendment to the Constitutional Act on the Security of the Czech Republic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said on Twitter. The cabinet should meet again on Thursday. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) said at a press conference that the constitutional law could be extended to include a special state in case of an epidemic. In principle, he has no problem with the change.

19:50 From May 11, citizens of non-EU countries will also be able to come to the Czech Republic for work

From May 11, citizens of non-EU countries with a negative test for the new type of coronavirus will be able to enter the territory of the Czech Republic, due to seasonal work. Today, the government decided to relax the rules introduced due to the coronavirus epidemic, the Ministry of the Interior informed.

19:45 The Cabinet cancels the work obligation of medical students from May 11

Effective from May 11, the government canceled the work obligation imposed on students in the final years of medical fields. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) told journalists after today's cabinet meeting.

19:35 Minister Havlíček will prepare the rent support program within a week

The state will contribute 50 percent of rent to entrepreneurs affected by the coronavirus. The tenant pays one-fifth and the owner pays 30 percent. The program will be for three months from April 1 to June 30.

7:15 p.m. Czechs will only cross the border until at least June 13.

On the proposal of Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD), the government has extended the protection of internal borders until June 13 in connection with the new type of coronavirus epidemic. From May 11, the border crossings, which so far only serve commuters and trucks, will start working simultaneously for everyone

18:30 18 new cases of covid-19 have been added since the morning, 194 people have recovered

The number of people cured of the covid-19 disease rose by 194 to 3,786 as of Monday morning. Two patients with the coronavirus died, bringing the total number of deaths to 251. The disease was newly detected in 18 cases.

18:00 In Italy, the fewest cases of infection have increased in a day since March 10

An additional 1,221 cases of infection with the coronavirus were confirmed in Italy in the previous 24 hours, the local civil protection reported today. It has been since at least March 10th.

17:30 The state of New York announced another drop in covid-19 deaths

In the US state of New York, 226 people died of complications related to the covid-19 disease on Sunday, which is another significant decrease. On Saturday, 280 infected people died, and a week ago on Tuesday, there were 330.

17:00 The government has released international passenger transport from May 11

The government has approved the release of international passenger traffic from May 11. The information was confirmed by Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for YES). Railway and bus carriers will thus be able to resume their lines abroad from next Monday.

16:50 Self-employed nursing fees will increase from 424 to 500 crowns per day, the government decided

Medical allowance for self-employed people due to closed schools or social services will increase from 424 to 500 crowns per day, starting in April. The higher amount will be paid by the end of June at the latest. It can be received by parents of children up to 13 years of age and older schoolchildren with disabilities or people who take care of elderly or disabled household members after social services have stopped operating.

16:40 The government will also support the partners of small s.r.o.

Following the example of the Twenty-Fifty Act for injured self-employed persons, it will be direct support paid in the form of a compensation bonus of CZK 500 per day for the total period from March 12 to June 8, i.e. a maximum of CZK 44,500, the cabinet informed in a press release. The government approved the draft amendment to the law on compensation bonus prepared by the Ministry of Finance. This week, the Chamber of Deputies and then the Senate will discuss it in an abbreviated meeting as part of the legislative emergency. The program, like Pětadvacítka for the self-employed, will be administered and paid out by the Financial Administration, which will start accepting applications after the law comes into effect, which we expect in the course of next week.

15:30 Trains and buses could travel across the border again from May 11

International rail and bus services should start operating again from May 11. On Monday, Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO) will propose to the government the release of the government measure that prohibited the travel of carriers abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic. He announced it on Twitter. The ban has been in effect since March 14.

15:10 The government approved the postponement of EET until the end of the year

At today's meeting, the government approved the postponement of electronic records of sales (EET) for all waves until the end of this year. This was stated by the Ministry of Finance in a press release. On Tuesday, according to Sunday's statement by Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO), the Chamber of Deputies should deal with the proposal in a state of legislative emergency.

14:50 Škoda Auto delivered a quarter fewer cars year-on-year in the 1st quarter

Mladoboleslav-based Škoda Auto delivered 232,900 cars to customers around the world in the first quarter of this year, almost a quarter less cars than in the first quarter of last year. According to the company, the reason is primarily the coronavirus pandemic. Operating profit and sales also fell. The company's operating profit fell by 25 percent to 307 million euros (about 8.3 billion CZK), the company said in a press release today.

14:35 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Unemployment in April rose from 3 to 3.4 percent in March

Unemployment in the Czech Republic rose from three percent in March to 3.4 percent in April. There were 52,995 new job applicants. In total, the labor offices registered 254,040 unemployed, i.e. roughly 28,400 more than a month ago. Labor Minister Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) said this at a press conference today.

14:20 The administration has so far received 476,924 requests for self-employed workers' allowance

The Financial Administration has so far accepted 476,924 applications for the payment of allowances to self-employed persons (OSVČ). Of these, it processed 444,603 requests and paid out 10.7 billion crowns. The average amount per request is 24,622 CZK, the administration said on Twitter.

13:20 The amendment to the law on public health clarifies the powers of the ministry, but will not allow restricting the movement of people

According to Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO), the amendment to the Act on Public Health, which will be discussed by the government today, only clarifies the authority of the department. It will not allow him to restrict the movement of people, but he will be able to ban large mass events or order the wearing of masks even after the end of the state of emergency on May 17, Vojtěch said after the ministry's press conference. The amendment is a response to the court's decision, which canceled some of the emergency measures issued by the ministry. According to the court, it should have been issued under the crisis law.

12:15 In the Czech Republic, scientists have started developing a vaccine against the covid-19 disease

The State Health Institute (SZÚ), the Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (ÚHKT) and the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) have started to jointly develop a vaccine against covid-19. It is currently in the first, laboratory phase, there will be two more. The information was announced today at the press conference of the Ministry of Health. Efforts are being made to develop a vaccine in many countries, and drug preparation is also in the study phase.

10:40 In Russia, the daily increase in infected people exceeded 10,000 on the second day, there were 76 deaths

In Russia, for the second day in a row, the daily increase of newly infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus exceeded ten thousand. It fell just short of the record figure of 10,633 announced on Sunday morning. In total, 145,268 infected people are registered in the country. There were 76 more infected deaths, which is 18 more than the data for Saturday.

10:30 eRouška can also be downloaded by iPhone users

The eRouška application, which uses Bluetooth technology to help find people potentially infected with the coronavirus, is also available for iPhones from today. Until now, only middle Android users could use it, and 160,000 of them downloaded it. This was announced today by the creators of eRouška from the COVID19CZ platform. eRouška is part of the so-called smart quarantine, which, among other things, creates so-called memory maps based on data on the movement of mobile phones and payment cards and helps in the fight against the coronavirus.

9:45 AM On Sunday, 26 cases of coronavirus were added, the number of dead is 249

26 new cases of covid-19 infection were added in the Czech Republic on Sunday to a total of 7,781. The daily increase was eight more than on Saturday, but compared to the past days it remains very low and is at the level of daily increases from the first half of March. The number of people who died from covid-19 increased by four to 249 as of Sunday evening. The number of people cured increased by eight, to a total of 3,587.

8:20 MPO will start accepting applications for the Technology COVID-19 program today

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) will start receiving applications for subsidies in the Technology COVID-19 program on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Entrepreneurs will be able to apply for support from 250,000 to 20 million crowns, especially for the purchase of machinery and equipment for starting the production of medical devices, personal protective equipment, or the disposal of infectious waste. The call is aimed at projects related to the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. Applications can be sent until June 5. 300 million crowns are prepared in the program.

MONDAY MAY 4

20:42 In France, 135 people with covid-19 died in a day. Another drop

In France, 135 people died of covid-19 in a day, bringing the number of deaths in French hospitals and nursing homes to 24,895 since March 1. The French Ministry of Health informed about it today. The increase in the number of dead is again moderate compared to the previous day and the lowest since March 22. The number of patients in intensive care units also decreased slightly again.

20:15 Riot of mayors due to the opening of schools

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and 300 of her colleagues from the Ile-de-France region are "seriously" asking the state to postpone the reopening of schools, which has been gradually planned since May 11.

19:20 According to Babiš, the government will not request an extension of the state of emergency

According to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), the government will not ask the House of Representatives to extend the state of legislative emergency, which is valid until May 17. Babiš said this today in the program Televizní noviny: Nova Television Special. The cabinet originally wanted a state of emergency until May 25, following the schedule for easing measures against the coronavirus epidemic.

19:01 Prime Minister Babiš admitted that the EET may be postponed until the end of the year

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) admitted that the electronic record of sales (EET) could be postponed until the end of the year. At the same time, he will push for a reduction in VAT on accommodation services from 15 to ten percent, as this sector will be the most affected by the crisis caused by the coronavirus, and probably permanently. Babiš stated this in an interview for Czech Television today.

18:31 In Italy, 174 people with covid-19 died in a day, the least since March

In Italy, 174 people infected with the coronavirus died in the last 24 hours, the least since mid-March. On Saturday, the local civil protection announced 474 deaths with covid-19, which was significantly more than on Friday (269). A total of 28,884 people with covid-19 have died in Italy so far, the Civil Protection said today.

17:24 The number of people cured of covid-19 in the Czech Republic has increased to 3,584, no one has died

The number of people cured of covid-19 in the Czech Republic rose to 3,584 by 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, no one died. The number of hospitalized people fell to 308. The cumulative number of sick people increased to 7,764.

16:17 Pompeo: There is evidence that the coronavirus came from a laboratory in Wuhan

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that there is "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus originated in one of the laboratories in Wuhan, China. He said this on the American ABC television show. At the same time, Pompeo stated that he does not think the virus was released on purpose.

16:02 Paris-Orly Airport is to remain closed until autumn

According to information from the newspaper Les Échos, the Paris-Orly airport should remain closed until autumn due to the expected weak recovery of air traffic. Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is currently reduced to three terminals, should be enough to absorb all commercial flights in the summer.

15:48 Around 400 people demonstrated today in Czech Těšín and Polish Těšín

In Český Těšín and Polish Těšín, residents of the border region demonstrated again today. About 400 people gathered on both banks of the Olše River today after noon. They mainly demanded the opening of the Czech-Polish state border. They want to be reunited with their families and friends. Movement across borders is restricted due to measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

15:35 Vienna Airport will offer tests for the coronavirus

Vienna Airport will offer passengers tests for the coronavirus upon arrival to prevent them from being quarantined.

15:11 In Israel, schools partially reopened after seven weeks

In Israel, schools that were closed due to the covid-19 pandemic partially reopened today after seven weeks. But some cities, including Tel Aviv or parts of Jerusalem, and areas with an Arab community have refused to open classrooms yet due to unclear rules and late information from the government about the possibility of opening. A number of parents also left their children at home for fear of contagion, while others, on the other hand, welcomed the opening of schools saying that they would be able to go to work. The Times of Israel reported about it today.

14:44 Lukashenko wants a parade in Minsk on May 9, no matter what

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is determined to hold a military parade on May 9 in Minsk to mark the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II. Regardless of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus and despite the fact that even Russian President Vladimir Putin postponed the show due to the infection.

14:39 The number of victims of the coronavirus in the Netherlands has exceeded 5,000

An additional 69 people with covid-19 have died in the Netherlands over the last day, bringing the total death toll to 5,056. Today, according to Reuters, the health authorities of this Western European country, which has about 17.3 million inhabitants, informed about this. Tests have newly demonstrated coronavirus infection in 335 people, a total of 40,471 people have been infected. But the authorities warn that the actual number of infected people is probably higher, because not all patients with suspected covid-19 are tested.

14:13 The SPD proposes to reduce income tax for companies with a turnover of up to three million CZK

Deputies of the opposition movement SPD propose to reduce the income tax for small companies with annual sales of up to three million crowns. Such companies would pay a 15 percent tax instead of the current 19 percent. The amendment to the Income Tax Act was submitted by the SPD movement in the House of Representatives.

13:41 Poland reports 318 new cases of coronavirus and 15 deaths

On Sunday, the Polish Ministry of Health reported another 318 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and 15 deaths. To date, 13,693 infected people have been cumulatively confirmed in Poland, of whom 678 have died.

13:21 Russia is now the country with the second largest daily increase in covid-19

The dynamics of increasing daily increases in the number of new coronavirus infections is currently extremely high in Russia, where the largest daily increase of over 10,000 infections was recorded today. After the United States, Russia is now the country with the highest daily increase in covid-19 infections in the world.

12:50 In Singapore, the daily increase of newly infected people increased again

In Singapore, after Friday's reduction in the number of newly infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the daily increase increased again on Saturday. While 447 confirmed cases were added during Friday, i.e. at least since mid-April, today the authorities reported 657 of them for Saturday. This was reported by the Reuters agency. The city-state of Singapore, home to approximately 5.7 million people, is one of the Asian countries worst affected by the covid-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus. In total, 18,205 cases of infection with the coronavirus have been confirmed there so far, the overwhelming majority among foreign workers.

11:59 German football cannot count on privileges when the league restarts

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer supports an early restart of the football league. But he emphasized that football players cannot count on any special concessions when setting the conditions. In case of a positive test for the coronavirus, they will have to follow the quarantine measures just like all other citizens.

11:28 In Spain, 164 people with covid-19 died in the last day

In Spain, 164 people infected with the coronavirus died in the last day, which according to the newspaper El País is at least since March 18. A total of 25,264 people died, according to statistics from the local Ministry of Health. A total of 217,466 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the country, with 882 newly infected since Saturday. In terms of the number of infected people, Spain is the worst affected country in the world after the United States.

11:18 There was only one confirmed case in Slovakia on Saturday

In Slovakia, they only had one new case of the coronavirus on Saturday, but they tested 1,450 people. 11 people recovered, no one died.

10:52 Quarantine ends in the Litoměřice home for the elderly

The quarantine at Domov U Trati in Litoměřice ends after more than a month. Out of the original 56 infected, two clients remain in the facility, who still have a positive test for covid-19. Seven clients are under the care of doctors. The blanket quarantine that was imposed on the entire facility is being changed to isolation rooms for the infected. The Social Assistance Center of Litoměřice, under which the home belongs, informed about this on its website.

10:40 record number of deaths in Japan

Japan recorded a record high of 31 deaths from the new coronavirus on Saturday, May 2, bringing the country's total to 517, according to health authorities.

10:20 Johnson said there was a scenario for his death

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who tested positive for the coronavirus at the end of March and had a severe course of the disease, could not believe that his health could have deteriorated so much within a few days. In an interview with The Sun, he said without elaborating that there was a plan in place in case he died.

10:00 a.m. In Russia, the daily increase in infected people has exceeded a record 10,000

For the second day in a row, Russia recorded a record increase in the number of newly infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. On Saturday, the crisis operations staff reported that the daily increase approached the ten thousand mark, today it announced another 10,633 infected. In total, 124,054 positive tests for the coronavirus are registered in the country. There were 58 more infected deaths, which is, however, only one death more than on Friday.

9:15 a.m. The number of newly infected and deaths from the coronavirus has fallen again in Germany

In Germany, the daily increase of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the death of patients with the disease covid-19, which is caused by this virus, fell again on Saturday. The number of infected people increased by 793 and the number of deaths by 74. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) informed about this today. This is another decrease in the number compared to the previous day. Saturday morning's balance was already significantly more favorable than Friday's.

7:27 China reports two new cases of coronavirus infection on Saturday

China reports two new cases of coronavirus infection on Saturday, while there was only one on Friday. With reference to the Chinese Health Commission, Reuters reported on this today. The total number of confirmed cases of infection in China thus reached 82,877.

7:00 Saturday's increase in covid-19 cases was the lowest in almost eight weeks

There were 18 confirmed cases of covid-19 in the Czech Republic on Saturday. This is the lowest daily gain since March 9. However, Saturday's balance was probably influenced by the lower number of tests performed. Their number will be published by the Ministry of Health today. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 7,755 people have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus in the Czech Republic.

SUNDAY MAY 3

23:14 The air bridge with medical supplies from China ends

The last plane with purchased medical equipment from China, which was ordered by the Ministry of the Interior due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus, will land at Ruzyně airport in Prague on Sunday around 07:00. Since March 20, when the air bridge was opened, five dozen planes from China have transported around 2,000 tons of masks, respirators and other material, said Rudolf Kramář, spokesman for the fire rescue service of the Czech Republic. The interior has so far paid almost four billion crowns for orders.

20:50 In France, 166 people with covid-19 died in a day, there are fewer patients

An additional 166 people with the coronavirus died in France in the last day. The number of deaths thus reached 24,760, the French Ministry of Health announced today. Today's death toll marks a new drop and the number of people hospitalized in French hospitals is also falling.

20:20 According to Petříček, the borders with neighboring states should open from July

According to Foreign Minister Tomáš Petříček (ČSSD), the borders of the Czech Republic with neighboring countries should be fully opened from July. Negotiations with the Slovaks and Austrians are the furthest away, negotiations with Poland will probably be the most complicated, the minister said on his blog today.

20:00 Ten people were infected with covid-19 in Bílové hospital

Ten people have been infected with covid-19 in Bílové hospital. Among them are doctors, medical staff and five patients. Today, ČTK was informed by the governor of the Moravian-Silesian region, Ivo Vondrák (ANO), about the spread of the disease. The management of the Silesian Hospital in Opava announced today that they managed to stop the spread of the disease. In the last two weeks, the hygienists have not seen any new patients here.

19:45 The reproductive number in Sweden is less than one

The monitored so-called reproduction number in Sweden has fallen below the value of one in recent days. This means that one person with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infects less than one other person on average. Chief Swedish epidemiologist Anders Tegnell confirmed this in an interview with SVT television. At the same time, the Scandinavian country approaches the fight against the coronavirus more liberally than most other countries. For example, it has not yet closed schools, shops or restaurants.

19:20 Almost 3,500 people have died in Canada with covid-19

In Canada, the number of deaths from the coronavirus in the last 24 hours increased by 223 to 3,446, the number of infected by 1,915 to 55,572. This follows from data provided today by the Canadian Public Health Agency, according to Reuters.

18:20 The daily balance of covid-19 victims in Italy has increased significantly to 474 people

In Italy, 474 people died of complications related to the covid-19 disease in the last day. The Italian authorities informed about it today. This is significantly more than recently, for example on Friday the daily death toll was 269. A total of 28,710 people infected with the coronavirus have died in Italy. The country registered 1,900 new cases of infection in the last day, 65 more cases on Friday.

18:05 So far, 13 new cases have been added in the Czech Republic for Saturday

The number of confirmed cases of covid-19 in the Czech Republic has so far risen by 13 to a total of 7,750. This is according to data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 5:30 p.m. today. The number of people cured of covid-19 rose by 87 to 3,446 since Friday evening. Five patients with the coronavirus died in the same period, bringing the number of deaths since the beginning of the epidemic to 245.

17:25 Another 621 people with coronavirus died in Britain in one day

An additional 621 people with covid-19 died in 24 hours in Britain. Altogether, 28,131 victims of the coronavirus have already been registered in the country. This was announced today by the British Minister for Housing and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, according to Reuters. The increase in the death toll is lower than the previous day, when authorities reported another 739 dead. According to the latest daily balance, 370 infected people died in English hospitals alone.

17:07 Austrians are shopping in big stores after seven weeks

Many Austrians today took advantage of the fact that after seven weeks all shops could open, including shopping centers and stores with an area of ​​more than 400 square meters. Long queues formed in some places. However, merchants warn that they will not be able to make up for the shortfall in sales that they suffered due to the restrictive anti-coronavirus measures. As of today, a hair salon has also opened in Austria.

16:30 The government is going to pay a third of the rent for entrepreneurs

The state is going to pay at least a third of the rent for the period from March 12 to the end of June to entrepreneurs who are renting and had to close due to the effects of the spread of the coronavirus. A third of the rent should be paid by the tenant, a third by the tenant and a third by the state, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš told the iDnes server.

14:51 The number of people with covid-19 in the Netherlands has exceeded 40,000

The number of people infected with the coronavirus in the Netherlands has crossed the 40,000 mark, increasing by 445 since Friday to the current 40,236. Another 94 patients succumbed to complications associated with the disease covid-19, which is caused by the coronavirus. The death toll approached the five thousand mark, 4987 to be exact.

13:44 Europe has 1.5 million infected, the most of the continents

There are already over one and a half million confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Europe, which is the most of all continents. At the same time, over 140,000 infected people have died in European countries. It was written by the AFP agency based on its own calculations. According to the American Johns Hopkins University, the coronavirus has so far been confirmed in more than 3.3 million people worldwide and over 238,000 have died.

Overview of those infected with the coronavirus by continent (sorted by number of infected as of 1:30 p.m. CEST):

source: www. worldometers.info

12:00 Russia recorded a record daily increase in infected people

In the past 24 hours, 9,623 people have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Russia, which is a record daily increase. In total, 124,054 confirmed cases of infection are registered in the country. Since Friday, another 57 patients infected with the coronavirus have died, and Russian authorities have so far registered 1,222 such deaths. Russia, with a population of around 146 million, now ranks seventh in the world in terms of the number of people infected with the coronavirus, according to TASS. The number of new cases increased by 21 percent against Friday's daily data. In 46.6 percent of the newly infected, no symptoms of the disease were recorded.

9:50 AM The number of coronavirus tests performed fell significantly on Friday

Healthcare workers in the Czech Republic performed 4,192 tests for the new coronavirus on Friday, significantly less than in previous days. The reason was probably a public holiday. On Friday, tests showed covid-19 disease in 55 cases, i.e. in 1.31 percent of the samples. Since the beginning of the epidemic, the coronavirus has been confirmed in 7,740 cases. So far, 3,378 people have recovered from covid-19, while 241 patients with the coronavirus have died. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 08:30 today.

8:52 The Spaniards are allowed to go for walks after seven weeks, but during the given hours

As of today, Spain has further eased the restrictions introduced in mid-March due to the coronavirus - after 48 days, people can go out and do sports, and seniors can go for a walk for the first time. In municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants, however, everyone must respect the time schedule set by the government according to age categories when going for walks and playing sports. Everyone must also keep a safe distance, masks are recommended but not mandatory.

7:45 The number of newly infected with covid-19 has significantly decreased in Germany

In Germany, 94 patients with the coronavirus died in the last day, which is a significant decrease compared to Friday's balance, when there were 193 deaths. The number of newly confirmed cases of the covid-19 disease also grew at a slower pace, which increased by 945, which is the lowest in recent weeks . In Germany, where 83 million people live, 161,703 people have been infected so far, of whom 6,575 have died. The institute considers approximately 129,000 people cured. Over the last day, the number of recoveries increased by roughly 2,100 cases, so there were twice as many recoveries as newly infected.

7:00 On Friday, 55 new cases of coronavirus infection were added

There were 55 new cases of coronavirus infection in the Czech Republic on Friday. Their total number thus rose to 7,737. So far, 3,372 people have recovered from covid-19, while 240 infected people have died. Compared to Friday evening, the number of people cured of covid-19 increased by 13. The number of confirmed cases for Friday is the lowest since Monday, when hygienists recorded 41 new infections. On the contrary, 103 cases were added to the statistics on Thursday.

FRIDAY

22:49 The US has authorized the emergency use of remdesivir for people with covid-19

Authorities in the United States today authorized emergency and limited use of the drug remdesivir, which has helped some patients with Covid-19 recover more quickly. President Donald Trump informed about the decision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Remdesivir was developed by a team led by the Czech Tomáš Cihlár, and the AP agency reminds that it is the first drug that appears to help people infected with the coronavirus. No drugs have yet been approved in the U.S. to treat the coronavirus, and remdesivir still needs formal approval, according to the AP.

21:35 Astronauts who will fly to the ISS must first go into quarantine

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX are continuing to prepare for the flight of a crewed spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) as planned and regardless of the coronavirus epidemic. NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said this today during a remote conference. The launch of the ship is scheduled for May 27 and will be the first takeoff of astronauts from the Kennedy Space Center in the past nine years.

18:55 Commuters on Folmava protest against mandatory covid testing

According to police estimates, around a hundred commuters protested today at the border crossing to Germany in Folmava in Domažlicko. They don't like that if they want to cross the border between home and work every day, they have to pay for tests for the coronavirus using the PCR method. The police were also at the event, who, among other things, made sure that people wore masks and that they did not gather in large groups. Police spokeswoman Dana Ladman said the roughly hour-long event was uneventful.

16:00 Most Prague theaters will not open on May 11

Most theaters in Prague will not open on May 11, and according to their representatives, the next wave of loosening of coronavirus restrictions, published by the Ministry of Health on April 30, will not help them. According to the government's new regulation, only 100 people will be allowed into museums, galleries and exhibition halls from May 11 at the same time, and a maximum of one per ten square meters. In theaters, it will be possible to occupy only every second row. Under the given conditions, even the National Theater is not worth playing.

14:07 According to hairdressers, the obligation to wear a shield and face mask will be a complication at work

The obligation to wear a face mask and shield will complicate the work of hairdressers. They agree that it will be very difficult to breathe in this combination. Some are concerned that the shield will reflect light and distort vision when cutting, for example. On the contrary, the unavailability of shields is not a problem according to the majority. Hairdressers see no problems even in the mandatory two-meter distances. It follows from the answers of hairdressers.

13:38 WHO wants to participate in clarifying the origin of the new coronavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) wants to participate in the Chinese clarification of the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes the disease covid-19. Today, according to Stern magazine, WHO spokesman Tarik Jašarević said it. The coronavirus is believed to have been transmitted from bats to humans in China. But US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has information indicating that the virus originated in a Chinese laboratory.

12:37 Release of services is chaotic, hotels are discriminated against, writes AHR

The release of services is chaotic and embarrassing, state support for entrepreneurs in accommodation and catering services is insufficient. Accommodation facilities are discriminated against, they should open as early as May 11, even assuming limited capacity. This was stated in today's press release by the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic (AHR).

12:01 The representative of the ombudsman asks the ministers to release the measures more quickly

Deputy ombudsman Monika Šimůnková asks the ministers of health and labor and social affairs to more quickly release measures that affect vulnerable families, people with disabilities and their caregivers. This was stated in a press release today by Stanislav Biler from the press department of the Office of the Public Defender of Rights. According to Šimůnková, some of the government measures taken to deal with the coronavirus epidemic disproportionately affect vulnerable groups of the population.

10:01 Customers in the gardens will have to sit 1.5 meters apart

Customers in the gardens of restaurants will have to sit at least 1.5 meters apart, unless they belong to the same table. They will be able to take off their masks when eating and drinking, Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček (for ANO) told journalists today. According to him, staff will be able to walk in the gardens. Businesses with a garden can be open from May 11, the indoor areas of restaurants will be able to open to customers two weeks later.

9:58 Primary schools must prevent the grouping of pupils, the authorities set rules for face masks

Elementary schools must ensure that, upon the return of pupils, they do not congregate in one place when they arrive at school. The cabinet announced on Thursday that after the interruption of classes due to the covid-19 disease, it will allow ninth graders to return to school from May 11 so that they can prepare for the entrance exams. Pupils will not have to wear masks if there is sufficient distance between them in the classroom, they will have to put them on during joint tasks or when moving around the school, Minister of Education Robert Plaga (ANO) told journalists today.

9:53 Hairdressers, manicurists and pedicurists will have to wear a mask and a shield

Hairdressers, manicurists and pedicurists will have to wear a mask and a protective shield. It will be necessary to monitor the temperature of these workers, they will not be able to work with a body temperature above 37 degrees, this also applies to other symptoms of infection with the new coronavirus. There will have to be a two-meter distance between customers, which also applies to waiting areas. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) said this at today's press conference on the new safety and hygiene standards.

9:40 a.m. One person per 10 square meters will be allowed to visit museums

After their opening on Monday, May 11, only 100 people will be allowed into museums, galleries and exhibition halls at the same time, and a maximum of one per ten square meters. In theaters it will be possible to occupy only every second row, in cinemas a free seat should separate a pair of spectators from others. This was stated by the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) at today's press conference on hygiene requirements for operations open after the coronavirus restrictions.

8:30 Trump claims to know clues about the origin of the virus in a Chinese laboratory

US President Donald Trump claims that he has information that gives him a high degree of confidence about the origin of the coronavirus at the Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China. However, he was not more specific at Thursday's press briefing, press agencies reported. Trump once again speculated that China released the coronavirus into the world by a terrible mistake or on purpose. Asked by one of the journalists if he had seen information that gives him a "high degree of confidence" about the origin of the virus in the Wuhan laboratory, Trump replied. "Yes, he saw."

0:22 The coronavirus has moved May Day parties to the Internet

Today's Labor Day commemorations will take place in a very limited form this year due to government measures due to the covid-19 disease. May Day gatherings cannot be held in view of the cabinet's decision, which allows a maximum of ten people to stay in publicly accessible places. Instead of the usual events, political parties are primarily preparing contributions on the Internet, and only individuals will go to traditional places.

FRIDAY MAY 1

22:36 ZUŠ are preparing options for limited operation from May 11

Directors of elementary art schools are now preparing different scenarios for how the schools could function after the partial resumption of their operations from May 11. It will depend on what hygienic conditions the schools will have to meet. Their directors are mainly waiting for the manual with recommendations, which the Ministry of Education will present on Friday

20:33 In 53 African countries, the coronavirus has been confirmed in 37,400 people

In the West African country of Ghana, the number of people infected with the coronavirus increased by 24 percent in the past few days and exceeded 2,000. President Nana Akufo-Addo there lifted the lockdown in the capital Accra and Kumasi, which has a population of three million, ten days ago. Across Africa, according to the AP agency, the infection has been confirmed in 37,400 people in 53 out of 54 African states. Only Lesotho, which is home to two million people, does not report any infected.

19:03 The Russian Prime Minister announced that he had contracted the coronavirus

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced today that he has contracted the coronavirus. At the same time, he suggested that Deputy Prime Minister Andrej Belousov stand in for him during his illness. According to the TASS agency, President Vladimir Putin has already expressed his approval, who also wished Mishustin a speedy recovery.

18:50 There will be no big summer festivals this summer due to the coronavirus

Large cultural events, especially music festivals with thousands of participants, will not take place in the Czech Republic this summer due to the coronavirus. Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek (ČSSD) said this after the government meeting. The government also approved a bill today that instead of refunding the entrance fee, the organizers of cultural events will be able to give customers vouchers for the next cultural event. According to today's government decision, cultural events with the participation of up to 100 people will be able to take place from May 11.

18:43 Nine-year-olds will be allowed to go to schools for consultations from May 11

Nine-graders will be able to return to school from May 11 to prepare for entrance exams. It will be voluntary and students will be able to meet for consultations with up to 15 people. The government decided on this today during negotiations on the next wave of relaxation of the conditions of behavior in the epidemic. The conditions for returning to school during the coronavirus epidemic for the last years of primary schools will thus be similar to those for the final years of secondary schools, which are preparing for matriculation and final exams.

18:25 University students will be able to gather for lessons in groups of 15 people

From May 11, students of all grades will be able to return to universities in groups of up to 15 people. The number limit does not apply to practical teaching and practice. The government decided on it today. Universities have been operating in a limited mode since last Monday and this Monday gradually in a limited mode. However, joint activities can now only be carried out by a maximum of five people.

18:00 The government has approved the abolition of property acquisition tax

The government has unequivocally approved the abolition of the real estate acquisition tax, Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) announced at a press conference after the government meeting on Thursday afternoon.

17:00 Masks will not have to be worn by e.g. children in kindergartens or presenters from Friday

From Friday, children aged two to seven will not have to wear masks in kindergartens or children's groups or, under certain conditions, artists performing original work. The obligation will also no longer apply to moderators and editors appearing in radio or television programs in the studio and without guests. This follows from the extraordinary measure of the Ministry of Health, which was approved by the government today.

16:56 Zeman spoke with the President of China, thanked him for the protective equipment

President Miloš Zeman spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping today. He thanked him for the supply of protective equipment to fight the coronavirus, while the Chinese president, on the other hand, thanked him for the Czech humanitarian aid. At the same time, Xi Jinping invited Zeman for an official visit to China. The Czech president confirmed participation in the 17+1 summit, which is attended by Central and Eastern European countries and China. It should be held in the fall. Prague Castle stated this on its website.

16:30 Commuters will probably have to take a test once a month

According to information from ČTK, the government has relieved commuters. They will have to submit a test for the coronavirus at the border once a month instead of the previous two-week intervals. The cabinet discussed the matter again today after a week. According to the Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch (for ANO), testing cannot be stopped due to the spread of the virus through the families of people who go to work across the border every day.

13:45 Germany will extend most measures, open museums, playgrounds and zoos

The German government wants to extend most measures against the coronavirus until at least May 10. They will be able to open museums, zoos or playgrounds earlier. According to the DPA agency, this follows from the draft resolution for today's meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of the federal states. Politicians are to decide on a possible more significant relaxation of restrictions on May 6.

12:50 WHO continues to recommend masks, especially for healthcare workers and the infected

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to recommend that masks and respirators as protection against the coronavirus should be worn primarily by health workers and those infected. Dorit Nitzanová, the organization's crisis coordinator, announced this at the WHO's internet press conference. She also said that the public must understand masks only as a supplement to the entire set of preventive measures. The Czech Republic is one of the countries that, with exceptions, has ordered the population to wear masks in public.

12:20 VFN and Bulovka received remdesivir for ten patients, Motol is waiting

Prague Bulovka Hospital and the General Faculty Hospital received the drug remdesivir, each for ten patients. According to the director of the State Institute for Drug Control, Irena Storová, the University Hospital in Motola and the University Hospital of St. Anna in Brno are also waiting for a delivery today or at the weekend. The Japanese drug favipiravir will also be distributed to hospitals that have patients with covid-19. It was received by the Thomayer Hospital in Prague, the hospital in Opava, and Bulovka, the Faculty Hospital in Ostrava and Hradec Králové have also requested it.

11:20 343 nurses and 167 doctors have fallen ill with Covid-19 so far

In the healthcare sector, 343 nurses and 167 doctors, including dentists, have so far been infected with the coronavirus since the beginning of the epidemic in the Czech Republic, according to data from regional hygiene stations. So far, 305 people have tested positive for covid-19 among other health workers. In the whole of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Health registers 7,580 cases of the disease. This emerged from the information published by the director of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS) Ladislav Dušek at today's press conference.

10:00 According to the minister, the new strategy will be testing in outbreaks

The Ministry of Health has a new strategy against the spread of the coronavirus. He wants more widespread testing in the place where the outbreak of infection appears. Testing should thus be more efficient. Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) said this at a press conference today. According to his deputy Roman Prymula, these regions are, for example, Chebsko or Domažlicko.

9:30 a.m. 40 percent of those infected have recovered from covid-19, 227 people have died

In the Czech Republic, 227 people have died of covid-19 so far, the number of those cured has risen to 3,120, which is over 40 percent of those infected so far. None of the infected died on Wednesday, the first time since mid-April. Since the beginning of the infection, the ministry has registered 7,581 cases, on Wednesday there were 75 more sick people, and laboratories performed over 7,000 tests. This follows from information on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 08:30 today.

8:50 According to statistics, there will be 8,500 patients with covid-19 at the end of May

According to the latest predictions of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS), there will be a total of about 8,500 people infected with covid-19 in the Czech Republic at the end of May. It expects an average growth of 15 cases per day in the next month. This follows from the presentation of ÚZIS at today's press conference. A week ago, statisticians predicted 9,000 sick people at the end of May.

7:50 On Wednesday, 75 cases of covid-19 were added, no one died

The daily increase in the number of covid-19 cases has remained below one hundred for the eighth day, with 75 added on Wednesday. However, this is slightly more than the previous days, when laboratories detected less than six dozen cases. A total of 7,579 people have been infected in the Czech Republic since the beginning of March. Compared to the data from the evening, 12 more infected people were cured, now there are 3108. So far, 227 people have died of covid-19, and according to the information so far on the website of the Ministry of Health, none of the infected died on Wednesday, which is the first time since mid-April. The latest data on the number of infected, recovered and victims will be published by the ministry on the website at around 8:30 am, as well as how many tests have been carried out over the past day.

6:00 The government will extend the state of emergency, will discuss further measures against the coronavirus

At today's meeting, the government will extend the state of emergency, which would otherwise end at the beginning of May, after the approval of the House of Representatives. The ANO and ČSSD cabinet also have other measures for the epidemic of the new type of coronavirus on their agenda, for example, they should deal with a one-time contribution of 500 crowns a day even for small companies with limited liability or extraordinary subsidies for social service providers.

Thursday, April 30

22:09 The White House is preparing a major operation to speed up vaccine development, according to Bloomberg

The US government is quietly preparing a major operation to accelerate the development of a coronavirus vaccine. This was written by the Bloomberg agency, citing people familiar with the government's plans. The White House is said to want to have 100 million doses of the vaccine ready by the end of the year. The project, codenamed Operation Light Speed, will involve private pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and the military, the agency said.

21:14 Hundreds of people protested in Prague against the government's actions

Hundreds of people in Prague protested against the way the government is proceeding and communicating in the time of the coronavirus. They carried placards expressing no confidence in the government and demanding the opening of schools. The chairman of the association Milion chvilek Mikuláš Minář announced the meeting as a walk, which is allowed even during the government measures. Although he wanted to get his supporters to protest mainly through social networks, several hundred people gathered today, according to the organizers up to 3,000. People gathered at the Letenské pendulum after 6:00 p.m. and slowly walked with intervals across the Letenská plain to the government Kramář's villa.

20:04 Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have stable data on the coronavirus

Data on the daily increase of people newly infected with the coronavirus and deaths associated with this infection continue to be stable in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. This follows from the current data published by the authorities of these three countries. But in recent days, Warsaw has indicated a slightly rising trend in the number of infected people.

19:17 The state can guarantee 150 billion crowns for loans to companies

The state will be able to guarantee 150 billion crowns for commercial loans for companies with no more than 500 employees. They could then receive roughly 495 billion crowns from the banks to restore their activities after the coronavirus epidemic, Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) told senators. The provision of the state guarantee was approved by the upper chamber of the Parliament in a law that will now be signed by the president. The state, through the Czech Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (ČMZRB), will guarantee loans negotiated by the end of this year.

19:00 Britain registers over 26,000 victims after a change in methodology

Britain has recorded 26,097 deaths from the coronavirus to date, which is the second highest number in European countries. The number of victims of the disease has increased by leaps and bounds after the British authorities began to include in the statistics the deaths from all settings, for example from nursing homes, which are heavily affected by the disease. So far, they have only reported the number of deaths in hospitals and most recently reported 21,678 victims on Tuesday. However, Reuters points out that international comparisons are difficult precisely because of the disparity of data from individual countries.

18:27 The number of victims of the coronavirus in Italy has decreased to 323

The number of victims of the coronavirus infection in Italy increased by 323 over the last day, which is less than the day before. At the time, authorities reported 382 dead. The daily increase in infected people is similar – 2,086 compared to 2,091 reported by the Civil Protection Office on Tuesday.

18:20 The US is asking China for access to a laboratory in Wuhan

Washington has again called on Chinese authorities to allow an inspection of a virology laboratory in Wuhan, which some say is the source of the coronavirus that causes covid-19. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at a press conference in Washington that the world must learn how the epidemic originated in Wuhan. "Beijing must be transparent," the minister said.

17:56 Over 3,000 people have recovered from covid in the Czech Republic, no one died today

The number of people cured of covid-19 in the Czech Republic has exceeded 3,000. Today, 137 people have recovered, for a total of 3,096 people cured. No one has died from covid, the last time this happened was on April 15. Only data after midnight will confirm it definitively. Tests have so far shown 59 new cases of infection, i.e. the same as for the whole of Tuesday. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 5:25 p.m. today.

17:30 Firefighters will not ban the burning of witches across the board

Firefighters will not ban the burning of witches across the board due to the new coronavirus epidemic. Interior Minister Jan Hamáček told journalists today. According to him, the fire brigade will leave such a possible decision to the competence of individual regions. Firefighters have previously warned that people should be very careful when lighting fires due to the dry weather. "Of course, during any witch burnings or May 1st events, the relevant government regulations need to be followed. This means maintaining groups of a maximum of ten people, the appropriate distances and, of course, the fact that you still need to wear masks," said Jan Hamáček.

16:55 Jurečka filed a criminal complaint regarding purchases by the Ministry of Health

Chairman of the People's Party Marian Jurečka filed a criminal complaint with the Municipal Prosecutor's Office in Prague regarding the purchases of protective equipment against the coronavirus by the Ministry of Health. He believes that the office has not fulfilled its legal obligation to perform tasks in the most economical way. Jurečka bases the criminal complaint on information from the media about purchases of anti-coronavirus aids from companies that had little or no sales in the past.

16:52 The Senate approved a longer period for the sale and recall of older cigarettes

Cigarettes with the old stamp can be sold and withdrawn from the market until the end of June. The extension of the deadline by one month was approved by the Senate today in the amendment to the Excise Tax Act. The adopted amendment also exempts poured beer, which breweries could not sell due to restrictive measures, from consumption tax. The bill will now be sent to the president for signature. The reason for the extension of the deadline for the withdrawal and resale of cigarettes is the complications associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

16:27 9th graders could return to elementary school from May 11, Plaga said

Minister of Education Robert Plaga (ANO) is negotiating with epidemiologists about the possible return of ninth-graders to elementary schools from May 11. The government's timetable for easing measures in education assumes that they could return to the benches in June at the earliest. According to the minister, however, they should have the opportunity to prepare for entrance exams for secondary schools, similar to students in the last years of secondary schools for the matriculation exams. He believes that the favorable development of the epidemiological situation could make this possible. He said it on Czech TV.

16:25 Polish Prime Minister insists on presidential elections in May

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he insists on holding presidential elections in May, regardless of the current pandemic caused by the coronavirus. According to him, the Polish constitution requires it. The opposition, on the other hand, is intensifying its opposition to holding the elections on the original date of May 10, pointing to the danger of the spread of the covid-19 disease.

16:13 According to the amendment, the Ministry should be able to limit mass events and transport

The upcoming draft amendment to the Act on the Protection of Public Health gives the Ministry of Health the ability to prohibit or limit the activity of shops, including shopping centers, manufacturing facilities and public transport, or to regulate mass events. The authority should have the power to order the mandatory use of protective equipment or disinfection. Gabriela Štěpanyová, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health, said this. According to the authority, the amendment, which the government is to discuss on Monday, May 4, should allow the continuation of the current plan to relax the measures taken until May 25, even if the state of emergency ends on May 17.

15:40 Health payments to the state will increase significantly in two steps

State payments to public health insurance for children or pensioners will increase from June by 500 crowns per month from the current 1,067 crowns. From January, it will be an additional 200 crowns per month. This presupposes an amendment approved by the Senate by the votes of all members present. The bill, which is related to the new coronavirus epidemic, will now be signed by President Miloš Zeman. The change responds to a drop in income and at the same time an increase in the expenses of the health insurance system.

15:29 Proceedings due to misdemeanors for canceled measures will stop, Hamáček said

According to the lawyers of the Ministry of the Interior, the administrative authorities will have to stop proceedings against people who have committed offenses against the measures due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, which were later canceled by the court. Interior Minister Jan Hamáček told journalists today. According to him, it will not be possible to punish crimes committed between March 23 and April 27. With effect from April 27, the Prague Municipal Court annulled four measures of the Ministry of Health that restricted free movement, retail and services in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

13:50 Brno University Hospital offers coronavirus tests to self-payers

University Hospital Brno offers testing for coronavirus even to self-payers. The price is 2,900 crowns, hospital spokesman Pavel Žara said in a press release today. On Tuesday, Znojmo Hospital was the first in the region to introduce tests for self-payers. As of today, there are 443 confirmed cases of covid-19 in the region, 7,504 in the Czech Republic.

12:15 Hospital fees introduced due to school closures will rise to 80 percent

From 60 to 80 percent of the daily assessment base, the nursing fee for parents who stayed at home with their children due to the closure of schools and kindergartens due to the coronavirus crisis will increase. Today, the Senate approved the amendment by the votes of 64 of the 68 members present, with no one against. In addition to employees, the benefit will also be given to a part of people who work on agreements for the performance of work or work activities. The draft will now be signed by President Miloš Zeman.

11:00 Latin America registers 9,000 deaths with covid-19, 5,000 in Brazil

According to official statistics, almost 9,000 people died in Latin America out of a total of 177,000 people who were confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus. This follows from data from the American Johns Hopkins University. However, the real numbers are higher because few tests are carried out in the region. Moreover, according to the Pan American Health Organization (OPS), the coronavirus infection in the region has not yet reached its peak.

10:30 Dušek: The epidemiological situation is improving, there are less than 60 cases per day

The epidemiological situation in connection with the covid-19 disease is improving in the Czech Republic, there have been fewer than 60 new cases per day for several days. Ladislav Dušek, director of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic, told journalists. At the same time, there are the same or slightly more tests. According to Dušek, covid-19 is not spreading unchecked anywhere in the population, but it is necessary to pay attention to some local outbreaks. He mentioned, for example, Chebsko, Domažlicko and partially Zlínsko.

10:00 Almost 3,000 people have recovered from covid-19, 227 infected have died

So far, 227 people have died of covid-19 in the Czech Republic. Since the evening, the number of victims has increased by two. 2,960 infected have already recovered, which is 18 more than on Tuesday evening. Since the beginning of March, 7,504 cases of infection with the new coronavirus have been detected, 4,317 people are currently infected. On Tuesday, 59 new infections were added and laboratories performed 8,665 tests, which is the second highest number since testing began.

9:15 Škoda's operating profit fell by a quarter in the quarter

Operating profit of Škoda Auto in the first quarter fell by 25.1 percent to 307 million euros (CZK 8.3 billion). The reason is a lower sales volume, the development of exchange rates and also expenses related to emissions. Sales decreased by two percent in the quarter to 4.8 billion euros (130.5 billion CZK).

7:35 The number of victims of the coronavirus in the USA exceeded the balance of the dead in Vietnam

Medical complications related to the coronavirus have claimed more lives in the United States than the number of American victims of the Vietnam War, where 58,318 Americans died in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Johns Hopkins University (JHU). The USA is the country worst affected by the coronavirus in the world, so far, according to JHU, over a million people have been infected, of whom 58,365 have died.

Wednesday, April 29

23:40 Brazil has over 5,000 dead with covid-19, more than China

In Brazil, more than 5,000 people have already died in connection with the covid-19 disease. Meanwhile, in neighboring Peru, the number of infected people exceeded 3,000. In Brazil, 474 patients diagnosed with covid-19 died in the last 24 hours, breaking the sad record there. As of today, Brazil has recorded more deaths than mainland China, where the virus first appeared at the end of last year.

22:00 New York records the lowest number of deaths since the end of March

In the state of New York, 335 people have died with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo, which is the lowest since the end of March. The daily death toll continues to fall, with Cuomo reporting 337 on Monday and 367 on Sunday. Hospitals now receive less than a thousand patients a day. According to Cuomo, the testing showed that the death rate from covid-19 is actually probably lower than previously thought because a higher number of people were actually infected, some of whom did not seek medical attention. The quarantine and the curfew without an urgent reason will nevertheless be extended beyond May 15, when the current restrictions expire, he said further. In some parts of the state, which with 20 million inhabitants is the second most populous on the US Atlantic coast after Florida, the restrictions will be able to be relaxed if there is sufficient bed capacity in hospitals and if sufficient testing and tracing of the infected are ensured, the governor stated.

21:50 The government wants to strengthen the competences of the Ministry of Health

On Monday, the government will discuss an amendment to the Act on the Protection of Public Health, which would strengthen the competences of the Ministry of Health. The Chamber could deal with the standard the following day and discuss it in a state of legislative emergency, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) told journalists today. According to him, the amended competences of the Ministry of Health would allow the restrictive measures that the government wants to maintain until May 25 to be maintained, even after the end of the state of emergency. Today, the House of Representatives decided to extend it until May 17, despite the government's request for May 25.

20:40 Greece starts easing measures from May 4

The Greek government, like several other countries from the Southern European region, has announced that it intends to start relaxing the protective measures taken in response to the spread of the coronavirus after the first weekend of May. From May 4, Greece will gradually open the economy and partially allow the free movement of residents. "Having contained the first wave of the virus, we are now ready to move to the second phase, the gradual easing of measures," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address. Greeks will be able to move freely from May 4, but only within their district. About 10 percent of closed businesses will be able to open, including libraries, hairdressers and beauty salons, electronics and sports equipment stores, and gardening. It will be mandatory to wear a protective mask in public transport, in hospitals and at hairdressers. People will be able to play sports outside, but private beaches will remain closed for now.

19:54 The Chamber of Deputies extended the state of emergency until May 17

The state of emergency and with it the main government restrictions against the spread of the new coronavirus will be able to last until Sunday, May 17. Today, the House of Representatives agreed to the extension of the state of emergency until this date, based on the proposal of KSČM deputies, who tolerate the minority cabinet of ANO and ČSSD in the lower chamber. The government wanted the state of emergency to continue until Monday, May 25, in connection with the government's plans to gradually ease restrictions, mainly on trade and services. In the request, the cabinet warned that if the restrictions were to end suddenly, there would be a "serious risk of a significant worsening of the epidemiological situation".

19:44 Britain is investigating a rare childhood disease

British doctors are investigating whether there is a link between a rare inflammatory disease that affects children and the disease covid-19, which is caused by the coronavirus. Health Minister Matt Hancock announced this at a press conference today, according to Reuters. The minister says it is too early to draw clear conclusions. Hancock told reporters that he was very concerned about reports of children in critical condition due to illnesses that could be related to covid-19. According to experts, the infection is similar to toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease, which is a disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels and heart in children under the age of five. The rare disease has symptoms that often appear in patients whose compromised immune systems struggle to fight infection. These include high fever, low blood pressure, rashes and shortness of breath. The syndrome can also be manifested by abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

19:18 The number of infected people in the USA has exceeded one million

The number of Americans infected with the coronavirus has reached one million, Reuters reported today in its calculation. According to statistics from the American Johns Hopkins University, the number of sick people exceeded 990,000. Over 56,000 people died in the country diagnosed with covid-19. In the last 18 days, according to Reuters, the number of infected people in the US has doubled and now accounts for a third of all infected people in the world. In April, an average of 2,000 people were infected each day in the United States. Due to limited testing capacities, health professionals believe that the actual number of infected people is even higher.

18:41 The number of people cured of covid-19 in the Czech Republic is approaching 3,000

Since this morning, one hundred people have recovered from covid-19 in the Czech Republic and two have died. The number of cured people thus rose to 2942 and the dead to 225. There have been 41 cases of infection today, which is the same increase as for the whole of Monday. Monday's increase was the lowest since March 13. 7,486 cases of infection have been detected in the Czech Republic since the beginning of March, 4,319 people are currently dealing with covid-19. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 5:30 p.m. today.

18:34 Another 586 covid-19 patients died in British hospitals

A further 586 covid-19 patients died in British hospitals. The total number of victims of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in the country rose to 21,678. From Wednesday, Britain will also publish daily data on the number of people who died of covid-19 at home or in facilities that care for the elderly. Until now, the authorities published this data even with a delay of more than a week.

18:27 In Italy, the coronavirus has already been confirmed in more than 200,000 people

Today, Italy became the third country in the world to surpass 200,000 people who have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic. In the last day, 2091 people were infected. Another 382 people have died from complications related to covid-19 in the country, which is more than the authorities reported in the last two days. Even so, this is the third lowest figure in almost six weeks.

18:06 Babiš arrived in Lán for a regular meeting with Zeman

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) arrived in Lán in the early evening today, where he will have a regular meeting with President Miloš Zeman. At the meeting in the presidential summer residence today, politicians should mainly focus on the development of the coronavirus epidemic in the Czech Republic. Today in the House of Representatives, Babiš defended the proposal to extend the state of emergency until May 25, when the main restrictive measures adopted by the government due to the epidemic are to last.

17:07 France will begin to relax in May, schools and shops will open

The time has come for France to start relaxing the measures taken in connection with the spread of the coronavirus. This was announced today in the French Parliament by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, who also presented a plan for the gradual relaxation of measures from May 11. Kindergartens and elementary schools at the first level, as well as shops with non-essential goods, should reopen on that day. A week later, 2nd grade elementary schools will also gradually open, but their students will be required to wear masks, said Philippe.

16:44 EU states want to coordinate the opening of borders

The countries of the European Union want to coordinate the gradual opening of internal borders and access it only in case of a favorable development of the spread of the covid-19 disease. The ministers of the interior of the EU member states agreed on this during a video conference dedicated in particular to the expected lifting of the coronavirus restrictions. Areas with a comparatively low risk of spreading the virus should be targeted first, the Croatian interior minister said. Last Thursday, the presidents and prime ministers of the EU countries supported the European Commission's plan for the gradual and mutually coordinated relaxation of restrictions that individual states have introduced as part of the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus. In this road map, Brussels recommended that states gradually replace states of emergency with targeted measures in the form of widespread testing or smart quarantine. In the case of a longer-term favorable development of the number of infected people, according to the commission, the countries could proceed in a coordinated manner to open each other's internal borders, which should only be followed by the opening of the Union's external borders.

15:20 Worldwide, up to a billion people can become infected

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned that up to one billion people worldwide could become infected with the new type of coronavirus if the necessary humanitarian aid is not provided to developing countries. Specifically, the committee named Afghanistan and Syria as threatened countries. The IRC also warns that up to 3 million people may die from the coronavirus in unstable countries.

12:20 According to estimates, the economy may fall by up to 11 percent this year

The Czech economy could fall this year due to the effects of the spread of the coronavirus by 6.5 to 11 percent, according to analysts' estimates. At the same time, however, economists point out that estimates are currently very uncertain due to the further unpredictable development of the situation not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad. Next year, most economists expect a relatively strong revival of the economy, which according to some estimates could rise by up to nine percent. However, according to economists, the economy will not return to its pre-crisis level until 2022.

11:30 Vojtěch: The state of emergency will make it possible to control the epidemic

Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) warned against the return of the increase in the number of people sick with the coronavirus, as happened in Japan and Singapore. All members of the ruling YES movement in the House will vote to extend the state of emergency until May 25.

11:00 Oil resumes strong decline, WTI loses 20 percent to $10.20

Oil on the world markets has resumed a sharp decline, the June contract for the American type West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is depreciating by around 20 percent and is only just above ten dollars per barrel. The lack of storage capacity continues to have an impact, but now, according to analysts, concerns are being added that the demand for oil will increase only slowly after the end of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. Brent North Sea crude, a key benchmark for setting global oil prices, shed around 4.5 percent to $18.97.

10:15 The festival in Vary will not take place this year, it has been postponed for a year

The international film festival in Karlovy Vary will not take place this year due to the situation surrounding the coronavirus. Organizers said in a press release today that the planned 55th edition won't take place until next year from July 2-10. But this year, on the original date of July 3 to 11, there will be a special version of the traditional show Vary in your cinema, which will offer moviegoers across the Czech Republic films selected by the program department of the festival.

9:15 a.m. Austria lifts restrictions on movement, restaurants and hotels will soon open

Austria will continue to relax the measures against the spread of the coronavirus, and from Friday people will have full freedom of movement again. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said this. In public, people have to keep a meter distance from each other, they can meet in groups of no more than ten people. Restaurants will open in the Alpine country on May 15, and hotels can start operating two weeks later.

8:50 Hamáček: The time to prepare the compensation law will be after the epidemic

According to Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Central Crisis Staff Jan Hamáček (ČSSD), the time for the possible preparation of the compensation law, the creation of which the government was encouraged by the opposition TOP 09, will only be after the end of the covid-19 epidemic. Hamáček emphasized in the House of Representatives today that the crisis law was written to deal with the situation especially during floods and similar natural disasters. They are talking about compensation for material damage, not compensation for, for example, the closing of a restaurant, he added.

8:30 a.m. From Tuesday, parking zones will apply again, in Prague until May 11

As of Tuesday, paid parking zones in cities and towns will no longer be canceled in the Czech Republic. The government canceled the relevant crisis measures it had previously decided on. The Cabinet canceled the zones from March 16 as one of the measures against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, the previously valid resolution assumed that they would not be paid until the end of the state of emergency. Prague will renew the validity of the blue zones only on May 11, Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) wrote on Twitter.

7:00 China, according to Trump, could have prevented the spread of the disease to the world

The United States is conducting a genuine investigation into China's actions in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus, US President Donald Trump said. He did not rule out that the US would demand compensation from China for not preventing the contagion from spreading around the world.

Tuesday, April 28

21:40 The Czech Republic donates protective equipment against the coronavirus to San Marino

The Czech Republic will send tens of thousands of pieces of protective equipment to San Marino to fight the new type of coronavirus. The government today approved the sending of similar aid, which it refused to send to the small republic on the Apennine peninsula three weeks ago, at the proposal of the Ministry of the Interior. The handover is to be ensured by the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs. According to the relevant resolution, the donation includes 70,000 pieces of protective masks, 10,000 respirators of the FFP2 class, 100 protective suits, 100 protective glasses and 10,000 pieces of protective gloves. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of San Marino asked the Czech Republic for help at the end of March.

20:30 For the collective immunity study, 18,185 people were tested to date

Until Monday, 18,185 members of the public were tested in the Czech Republic for the study of collective immunity. A total of 27,000 people from various population groups are to be tested. The organizers are now inviting mainly people invited by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) to participate.

20:20 Event organizers lost five billion crowns in March alone

Domestic organizers of social and public events lost five billion crowns in March alone due to the coronavirus epidemic. Currently, the damages are several times higher. Agencies lost 80 percent or more of their orders.

20:00 Vojtěch: The clothes will be able to be tried on from May 11

People could start trying on clothes in brick-and-mortar stores again from May 11. Showers and changing rooms in gyms and fitness centers could open only at the end of May. The government expects to resume the operation of swimming pools and cinemas in the last wave of easing, i.e. from May 25.

19:30 In France, there are a total of over 23,000 deaths from covid-19

In France, 23,293 people have already died in connection with covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. In the last day, authorities recorded 437 new victims, an increase from the downward trend of the previous three days.

18:15 Britain reports the smallest April increase in covid-19 deaths

In Britain, 360 patients died of complications caused by covid-19 in the last 24 hours. It is the smallest daily increase for April, a lower figure last recorded by local authorities on March 30, when the epidemic broke out in the country.

6:00 p.m. Maláčová: Companies could postpone levies for May to July

Companies could possibly postpone social contributions from May to July. They would have to pay them by September 20 with a reduced penalty. This could amount to one percent instead of the current roughly 4.5 percent of the owed amount. The government agreed on this.

17:45 The government approved the debt relief of six hospitals, they will receive a total of 6.5 billion

On Monday, the government approved the debt relief of six large state hospitals in Prague and Brno. Originally, the Ministry of Health proposed 7.7 billion crowns, the government reduced the support to 6.5 billion crowns. Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) said this at the press conference after the government meeting.

17:20 Worldometers: More than three million people have tested positive for the coronavirus

Coronavirus has already been confirmed in more than three million people worldwide. This is reported by the specialized server worldometers.info. According to data from the American Johns Hopkins University, which also monitors the development of the pandemic globally, there are just over 7,000 confirmed cases missing from crossing this threshold.

17:00 The government has extended the Antivirus short-time program to May as well

On Monday, the government decided to extend the Antivirus short-time program with contributions for wage compensation until the end of May. The Ministry of Labor informed about it. So far, the program covered the period from the declaration of the state of emergency from March 12 to the end of April. Minister Jana Maláčová stated that this is apparently not the last extension.

4:00 PM Budget and fund expenditures are proposed by the MF next year at 1.792 trillion

The Ministry of Finance proposes spending frameworks for the state budget and state funds for next year at 1.792 trillion crowns. In 2022, it should be 1.811 trillion crowns and a year later 1.825 trillion CZK.

15:30 Football will return to the Czech Republic. The LFA has approved the resumption of the league from 25 May

The league committee of the League Football Association (LFA) approved on Monday that the first and second league seasons will be restarted on May 25. Both competitions have been suspended since March due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

15:00 MF: Public finances will end this year in a deficit of 5.1 percent of GDP

Public finances will reach a deficit of 5.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, from last year's surplus of 0.3 percent of GDP. The total public debt should then rise to 37 percent of GDP this year from 30.8 percent of GDP last year.

14:30 Austria is negotiating with the EU about summer tourism, it may open up to the Czechs

Summer stays of foreigners in Austria and foreign holidays of Austrians can be real, but mutual tourism will be limited only to those states that achieve similar results to the Alpine Republic in the campaign against the coronavirus.

13:30 Another 96 people died in Iran with the coronavirus, the number of dead is already 5806

An additional 96 people infected with the coronavirus died in Iran in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of people who died of covid-19 in the Islamic Republic to 5,806. Referring to today's announcement by the Iranian Ministry of Health, Reuters reported on this. The coronavirus has already been confirmed in 91,472 people in Iran, which is one of the countries most affected by the pandemic in the world.

12:35 6,198 new cases of infection have been added in Russia, the number of victims is 794

Russia reports 6,198 new cases of coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours, which is almost 200 less than the previous day. In total, there are 87,147 infected and 794 people with covid-19 have died in the country; 50 new deaths have been added in the last day, the news site The Moscow Times reported.

12:15 Six hospitals are to receive 7.7 billion for debt relief

The Ministry of Health wants to provide six large hospitals with a contribution of 7.7 billion crowns for debt relief. The proposal, which responds to their critical economic situation, must be approved by the government. The contribution should concern the General University Hospital, the University Hospital of Královské Vinohrady, the Bulovce Hospital, the Thomayer Hospital, the University Hospital at St. Anne in Brno and Faculty Hospital Brno. Hospitals will use the money to pay overdue liabilities.

11:40 The Karlovy Vary Region is asking the government to deploy soldiers in medical facilities as well

The Karlovy Vary region is asking for a change in the government resolution so that soldiers can be deployed not only in social but also in medical facilities, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Central Crisis Staff Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said on Monday. He wants to discuss the matter in the government today, and the crisis team should also deal with it at the plenary session on Wednesday. According to Hamáček, the government is ready to deploy the army immediately if the region only asks for soldiers to be sent to social facilities.

10:40 AM One of the Prague firefighters remains infected with the coronavirus

One of the Prague firefighters remains with a positive test for the coronavirus and 11 firefighters remain in quarantine. Twenty-five firefighters who were infected have recovered and five are awaiting a second negative test. Compared to last Thursday, the number of firefighters with a positive test for covid-19 decreased by four.

10:00 The Karlovy Vary region has the second largest number of infected people after Prague due to Chebsk

In Chebsko, the number of people infected with the coronavirus has been increasing rapidly in recent days. Mariánské Lázně is the most affected, where there are already 51 people with positive tests, informed the mayor of the city, Martin Kalina (Pirates). This means an increase of 42 cases in a week. According to the current data of the Ministry of Health from this morning, there are 350 infected people in the Karlovy Vary region, which is almost 119 infected people per 100,000 inhabitants. Only Prague has a higher proportion, with almost 128 infected per 100,000 inhabitants.

9:15 a.m. 2,555 people have recovered from covid-19 in the Czech Republic, 221 infected have died

221 people have died of covid-19 in the Czech Republic so far. Since the evening, the number of victims has increased by one. So far, 2,555 infected people have recovered, which is ten more than on Sunday evening. There have been 7,404 cases of infection in the Czech Republic since the outbreak of the epidemic. There are currently 4,628 sick people, and 360 patients with covid-19 were in hospitals. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 08:30 today.

7:40 Škoda Auto has resumed production at all three plants

Today at 6:00 a.m., Škoda Auto resumed production at all three of its production plants in the Czech Republic. Tomáš Kotera, the company's head of communications, told ČTK. Škoda Auto stopped production on the evening of March 18 due to the coronavirus. She extended the shutdown several times. So now they start production after almost six weeks.

MONDAY, April 27

20:50 There will be a collection point for commuters in Dolní Dvořište

Tests on Sunday in southern Bohemia confirmed two new cases of people with covid-19 disease. Since the start of the coronavirus epidemic in the region, 171 people have been demonstrably ill, 73 South Bohemians are currently positive. Next week, a self-pay collection point for commuters will start operating at the border crossing with Austria in Dolní Dvořišt, another such collection point will be set up by hygienists in České Budějovice. The director of the South Bohemian Hygiene Station, Kvetoslava Kotrbová, informed about this in a press release.

20:38 In New York, the number of deaths is decreasing, the release schedule is being prepared

The daily death toll in the US state of New York fell below 400 for the first time this month, down 70 from Saturday to 367. Governor Andrew Cuomo said this at a regular press conference. According to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, despite the positive news, it is still too early for the possible relaxation of quarantine measures. The condition for easing the restrictions is that the downward trend continues for at least another ten days.

20:23 According to some hygienists, smart quarantine does not speed up the search for sick people

The smart quarantine system is effective if there are hundreds of infected people. When the number of cases is low, tracing patients and their contacts does not speed up. In an open letter to the government and deputies, six dozen epidemiologists and hygienists from regional hygiene stations and some health institutions stated this. They objected to wanting to be an "arrestor of progress". The smart quarantine system will be launched in the Czech Republic on May 1. According to the plan, it should speed up the search for the infected and enable a faster return to isolation.

19:45 Experts in Brno need to examine another 1,000 people

Experts in collective immunity testing tents in connection with the coronavirus pandemic tested a total of 3,999 people from Thursday morning at two sites in Brno until 5:50 p.m. today. This follows from data on the website of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics of the Czech Republic (ÚZIS).

19:18 France has 242 more deaths from covid-19, at least in a month

In France, 242 people died of covid-19 in the last 24 hours. The last time France had a lower daily increase of victims than today was March 25. The total death toll from covid-19 since the beginning of the epidemic has risen to 22,856, AFP reported today, citing a representative of the Ministry of Health. The number of confirmed cases of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus rose to 124,575 in France.

18:59 The purchase of infantry fighting vehicles may not be postponed after all

The purchase of infantry fighting vehicles for the army for more than 50 billion crowns may not be postponed after all. In a regular appearance on Facebook, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said that Defense Minister Lubomír Metnar (for ANO) should deal with their financing. Previously, Babiš admitted several times that the contract for infantry fighting vehicles could be postponed due to the economic effects of the coronavirus epidemic.

18:38 Boaters can go on the rivers without masks

Boaters can go on the rivers even during the coronavirus epidemic, but they must follow certain restrictions. Only family members can be together on the rafts, and a distance of two meters should be maintained on other vessels. However, a group of boats with a total of up to ten people can go together. Paddlers should not wear masks when rafting the river, as it could endanger them if they capsize. The Association of Water Tourism and Sports stated this in a press release. The greater threat to boaters and their hobby is rather drought. This increasingly limits the navigability of rivers.

18:30 Kurzarbeit could be extended at least until May, Babiš said

The Antivirus Kurzarbeit program with state contributions to companies for wage compensation, which is until the end of April, could be extended by at least a month. It could possibly be followed by a voluntary postponement of social contributions for companies. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said this on Czech television. The government could discuss the postponement of levies. Boaters can go on the rivers with mild restrictions, but without face masks on Monday.

18:00 In Italy, 260 people have died with the coronavirus, at least since mid-March

In Italy, 260 people have died with the coronavirus in the last day, which is the least since March 14. The death toll was down by more than 150 from the previous day, when the toll also reached its lowest level in weeks. The total number of victims reached 26,644. The Office of Civil Protection informed about it. In the southern European country, the number of newly infected people is also decreasing, today the authorities report 2,324. A total of 197,675 people tested positive for the coronavirus in Italy.

17:00 413 more covid-19 victims in Britain, the least since the end of March

An additional 413 people with covid-19 died in British hospitals in 24 hours. Compared to Saturday's data, there are almost half as many dead. In total, the death toll from the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus rose to 20,732 in Britain.

16:35 The fact that we are not in the eurozone will help us, says the vice-governor of the CNB

In the current economic situation, the Czech Republic has the advantage of not being part of the eurozone. In an interview given to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Deputy Governor of the Czech National Bank (ČNB) Marek Mora said this. "The advantages of not being a part of the eurozone significantly outweigh," Vice-Governor Mora said in an interview. According to him, the crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus will have an impact on the cohesion of the eurozone. The vice-governor expects, among other things, that "the debate around the so-called fiscal union will regain its intensity".

16:15 Dušek: We must focus on returning to normal life

The Czech Republic has managed the epidemic of the new coronavirus and now it is necessary to focus on a controlled return to normal life, Ladislav Dušek, director of the Institute of Health Information and Statistics, said in today's Questions of Václav Moravec on Czech Television. According to director Zdeňko Kabátek, the General Health Insurance Company (VZP) will try to get the health care system back to normal by the end of June. However, the Director of the Faculty Hospital in Motol, Miloslav Ludvík, expects it to be after the holidays. "Now we have all the evidence to say that everything is very very positive. The infection keeps going down. Every single day that we measure shows that not only is there not an uncontrollable spread, but we are even stopping the spread," said Dušek. According to him, one infected person can infect less than one other person, namely less than 0.7 other people. "Fortunately, the time of some, in quotes, scaremongering is over in the Czech Republic," emphasized Dušek.

16:10 The capacity of those tested has been filled in Prague

In Prague today, before 3:00 p.m., the required capacity of children tested as part of the collective immunity study, which is to determine the occurrence of the covid-19 disease in the population, was filled. Those interested were tested in the Kateřinská Garden. In Prague, all the necessary age categories have already been filled, with the exception of chronically ill patients, who are invited by the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), and people who are encouraged to be tested by the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ). Petra Klusáková, spokeswoman for the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, said this. In three days, more than 12,000 of the planned 27,000 people were examined in the Czech Republic, said Renata Povolná, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health. It is also being tested in other cities in the republic.

15:10 After the state of emergency, 5,000 workers from abroad will meet in agriculture

Up to 5,000 workers from abroad will be missing in domestic agriculture if the state of emergency is lifted. About as many foreigners working in agriculture will have their visas expire and will have to leave the Czech Republic. Minister of Agriculture Miroslav Toman (for ČSSD) said this in today's Questions of Václav Moravec on Czech Television. According to him, there are already over 3,000 people missing in the industry. According to the chairman of the opposition KDU-ČSL, Marian Jurečka, the situation can be resolved outside of the state of emergency. At the same time, the Department of Agriculture is preparing another program to support small businesses. "When the state of emergency ends, all workers abroad with extended visas will have to leave the Czech Republic. These are workers who have expired visas, but they are only extended for the duration of the state of emergency," said Toman. According to him, there are up to 5,000 people out of a total of 20,000 foreign workers. In addition, the shortage of workers will worsen in the summer.

13:30 Kalousek wants an allowance for fixed costs for entrepreneurs

According to Miroslav Kalouska, the chairman of deputies of the opposition TOP 09, the state should contribute to the payment of fixed costs to entrepreneurs who had to close their establishments due to government measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. He said this in today's Party of Prime TV. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) stated that the Social Democracy proposed such a model from the beginning, but it is under the authority of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. "The Social Democracy proposed the British model from the beginning, which means, for example, 80 percent of the fixed costs... We can start a discussion about it again, I firmly hope that we will somehow reach a solution," said Maláčová.

13:05 Israel relaxes measures

Israel today allowed the opening of some shops that have an entrance from the street. Local authorities will also consider allowing children to return to school as part of easing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters reported. However, shopping centers and markets where large numbers of people could gather are still closed. Restaurants are allowed to offer takeaway meals, originally they could only operate deliveries.

11:50 Boris Johnson returns to work from Monday

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had to be hospitalized at the beginning of April due to the severe course of the covid-19 disease, will return to work on Monday. He is very much looking forward to it. This was confirmed today by Foreign Minister Dominic Raab, who now represents Johnson in the leadership of the country. As Raab added, the government will not be in a hurry to relax the measures put in place due to the spread of the coronavirus and will "act cautiously" to avoid a resurgence of infections and thus the reimposition of strict measures. This would lead to damage to public trust, the head of British diplomacy thinks.

11:30 Spain reports 288 new deaths, at least in a month

An additional 288 people died in connection with the coronavirus in Spain in the last 24 hours. It is the smallest daily increase in more than a month, Reuters reported today, citing statistics from the local Ministry of Health. On Saturday, the country of 47 million people reported 378 deaths, the total number of victims is now 23,190.

10:45 a.m. Italy will resume production on May 4

Italy will begin to resume industrial production from Monday, May 4 as part of the relaxation of measures introduced due to the coronavirus, but schools in the country will not open again until September. This was announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. "At this moment, we are working to reopen the vast majority of businesses, from the manufacturing industry to construction," Conte told the Italian daily La Repubblica. Details of the plan should be released in the coming days, he added. According to the Italian Prime Minister, the companies will have to take strict health and safety measures even before they open.

10:15 Cases are growing rapidly in Singapore

In Singapore, the number of new cases of coronavirus infection has increased sharply. While the authorities registered 618 cases on Saturday, there were already 931 on Sunday. However, according to the Ministry of Health, most of the infected are from abroad who commute to Singapore for work. Of the permanent citizens of the country, only 15 people are newly infected. Singapore has long been considered one of the countries that fight the disease most successfully in the world. So far, the country has recorded 13,624 cases of infection and 12 deaths from the coronavirus.

9:25 Germany has so far recorded 154,175 infections and 112,000 recoveries

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Germany increased by 1,737 to 154,175 on Saturday. Around 112,000 people have already recovered, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). There are now more recoveries than newly infected people every day. On Saturday, according to the RKI's estimate, there were 2,200. The downward trend is also evident when it comes to deaths of people infected with the coronavirus. On Saturday, the institute under the German Ministry of Health recorded 140, for a total of 5,640 since the beginning of the epidemic. This is less than Friday, when 179 deaths were recorded, and Thursday (227 deaths). The majority of infections and deaths continue to fall on three federal states – Bavaria (40,912 cases and 1,596 deaths), North Rhine-Westphalia (31,669 cases and 1,096 deaths) and Baden-Württemberg (30,761 cases and 1,237 deaths).

8:35 The daily increase in covid-19 cases in the Czech Republic remains below one hundred for the fourth day

The number of cases of infection with a new type of coronavirus rose in the Czech Republic by 79 on Saturday to 7,352. The daily increase has remained below one hundred for the fourth day in a row and is the second lowest since April 13.

7:20 a.m. Mexico reports 1,305 coronavirus victims, Argentina extends restrictions

On Saturday, the Mexican Ministry of Health registered almost 14,000 cases of infection with the coronavirus, including 1,305 that ended in death. The number of known infected in Mexico increased by 970 and the death toll by 84, Reuters reported. A significantly lower balance was reported by Argentina, whose government nevertheless extended the nationwide quarantine until May 10.

5:00 China reported 11 newly discovered infections, no other victims

Coronavirus infection was detected in 11 people on the territory of mainland China on Saturday, i.e. one less than on Friday, the Chinese National Health Commission said today. At the same time, the government did not report any new deaths in connection with the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Reuters reported.

SUNDAY 26.4.

22:02 CDC: There are already over 895,000 people infected with the coronavirus in the US

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States increased by 30,181 to 895,766, and the number of deaths increased by 1,623 to 50,439. This was announced today by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). US data varies by source, the CDC gives its current balance as of 4:00 PM local time from the previous day. Johns Hopkins University (JHU), which monitors the covid-19 pandemic worldwide, reported crossing the 50,000 dead mark before.

21:15 New York will double testing capacity, people in hospitals have decreased

The American state of New York will double the capacity of tests for the coronavirus to 40,000 per day, and pharmacies will also collect samples, Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference today. At the same time, he announced that the number of people hospitalized with the covid-19 disease fell to 13,000, the lowest level in the last three weeks.

21:00 On 100 detained in Berlin for a demonstration against restrictions

Demonstrations against restrictions during the epidemic in Berlin turned violent, the police arrested about a hundred protesters.

20:52 The German newspaper revealed illegal hairdressers

Thorough German police discovered two illegal hairdressing salons hidden in the basements of houses in Bavaria on Saturday, according to AFP.

19:32 The number of deaths from covid-19 in the world exceeded 200,000

The number of deaths related to the coronavirus has exceeded 200,000 worldwide. The specialized Worldometers server now lists 200,812 victims. The threshold of 100,000, based on earlier calculations by the Reuters and AFP agencies, fell only on April 10. So it only took 15 days for the death toll to double. The Chinese city of Wuhan recorded the first death from covid-19, which is caused by the coronavirus, on January 9. The world crossed the 50,000 dead mark 83 days later, it took only eight days to cross the 100,000 victims mark.

19:00 In France, 369 people with covid-19 died in a day, the least since March

In France, the death toll of people with covid-19 remains at a record low for the second day. In the last day, 369 people died in hospitals and care facilities, the least since the end of March. The Ministry of Health informed about it today. On Friday, there were 389 deaths related to the coronavirus. In total, France has 22,614 victims of the coronavirus.

18:21 Italy reports the fewest deaths since March, the number of infected is also falling

The balance of victims of the coronavirus in Italy increased by 415 over the last day, which is the lowest since mid-March. The lowest in five days is also the number of newly infected, positive tests carried out by health workers since Friday, 2357. The Office of Civil Protection informed about this. In total, 26,384 people with covid-19 have died in the country since the start of the epidemic, and over 195,000 people have been infected. Currently, around 105,000 people are infected with the coronavirus in Italy, and the number of infected people is decreasing for the sixth day in a row.

17:39 2,453 people have recovered from covid-19 in the Czech Republic, 218 infected have died

The number of people cured of the covid-19 disease caused by the coronavirus in the Czech Republic increased by 82 to 2453 as of Friday evening. The number of deaths infected with the coronavirus, similar to the previous days, increased much more moderately, in the last 24 hours by four to 218. This is according to the data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 5:30 p.m. today. The number of confirmed covid-19 cases has risen by 60 to 7,333 so far today. There are currently 4,662 sick people in the Czech Republic, of which, according to data from this morning, there were 385 people with the coronavirus in hospitals. The number of hospitalized patients has been decreasing since Tuesday.

16:38 Air France will launch a voluntary retirement plan for employees

Air France will launch a voluntary layoff plan as part of the crisis caused by the epidemic, CEO Ben Smith said in an interview with the daily Les Echos. Air France-KLM announced on Friday that it had received 7 billion euros in support from France, while the Dutch government plans to provide between 2 and 4 billion euros in aid. Ben Smith doesn't expect to be back to normal for at least two years.

16:30 Britain has over 20,000 victims of the coronavirus, 813 people died in a day, the most since Tuesday

The number of victims of the coronavirus in Britain has exceeded 20,000. 813 patients died in hospitals over the last day, which is the most since Tuesday and 129 more than on Friday. The Ministry of Health announced this on Twitter. The authorities have registered 148,377 infected people since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 5,000 infected people have been added in the last 24 hours.

15:15 The Netherlands has 120 covid-19 deaths per day, Belgium 241

The Netherlands has 120 deaths from covid-19 in the last day, which is more than on Friday. The total number of deaths in the country with approximately 17.5 million inhabitants thus rose to 4,409. The Netherlands Institute for Public Health (RIVM) stated this in its daily balance today. The number of confirmed cases of infection increased by 655 to 37,190. The actual numbers are likely higher because not all suspected cases are tested, the institute added. It reported 112 deaths on Friday.

15:10 Testing capacities for adults have been reached in Prague

This afternoon in Prague, the collection capacity for the study of collective immunity against covid-19 was also filled for adults aged 18 to 39. This morning, the capacity was already filled for adults in the 40 to 59 year old category and in the 60 to 89 year old category. Only children will be tested in the following days. Petra Klusáková, spokeswoman for the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague, told ČTK today.

14:49 Germany will focus on the fight against the virus during the EU presidency

During its six-month presidency of the European Union, which will begin on July 1, Germany will focus on the fight against the coronavirus and on the social and economic impacts of the current pandemic. But it will also deal with environmental issues. This was announced today by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "(The presidency) will clearly be dominated by the topic of the fight against the pandemic and its consequences," Merkel said in a video she publishes every week. As long as there is no vaccine, the virus will continue to affect life in Europe, she added.

14:01 There are already 148 infected on the Italian ship anchored near Nagasaki

Coronavirus infection has already been confirmed in 148 crew members of the Italian cruise ship, which is docked near the Japanese prefecture of Nagasaki for repairs. The Japanese authorities announced today that they have already tested all the people on board for the coronavirus, about a quarter of them are infected.

13:33 At the border in Těšín, people protested against its closure

People from the border area protested against the closed border today in Český Těšín and neighboring Těšín in Poland. They called mainly after returning to their families and to work. The closed border has separated many families and made it impossible for many people to commute to work. People armed with banners passed between the border bridges on both sides of the Olša River, which separates the two cities. Already in the past, they exchanged messages across the river using suspended sails. Today, they called, waved and encouraged each other during the protest march.

13:28 Spain reports 378 new deaths, a slight increase for the day

Spain registers 378 new deaths of people with covid-19 in the last day. This is a slight increase compared to the previous day, when 367 people died, the Spanish newspaper El País reported today. In the country, which has about 47 million inhabitants, 223,759 cases of infection have been confirmed since February. Of these, 22,902 people died and 95,708 recovered.

13:05 The number of infected people in Russia has increased by 5966, this is another increase

The number of people infected with the coronavirus in Russia increased by 5,966 over the last day. This is a slight increase compared to the previous day, when 5,849 people were infected, the operational staff of the fight against infection announced today. The total number of infected thus increased to 74,588.

12:30 Gates: The coronavirus pandemic is my worst nightmare

Co-founder of the software company Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world Bill Gates said that the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus is his worst nightmare. Gates said this in an interview with The Times. His foundation is now probably the largest sponsor of the World Health Organization (WHO). Gates added that he is prepared to finance the production of several vaccines even before they are approved, so that they can be distributed as quickly as possible.

11:50 Three American states have begun to relax measures against the coronavirus

The American states of Alaska, Oklahoma and Georgia have begun to relax the restrictive measures introduced due to the spread of the coronavirus. Businesses providing body care, for example hairdressing salons or restaurants, may now be open. However, Americans who visit newly opened businesses are still expected to keep their distance and cover their noses and mouths, the BBC reported today.

11:15 In M. Lázně, patients and hospital staff became infected with the coronavirus

In Mariánské Lázně in Chebsk, infection with a new type of coronavirus has spread significantly. On Friday, 12 new cases of infection were added in the Karlovy Vary Region, of which eight new cases are in Mariánské Lázně, Mayor Martin Kalina (Pirates) confirmed to ČTK today. The Mariánskola Hospital said on its Facebook that both employees and patients were infected.

11:07 Fares are paid again on regular buses in the Hradec Králové region

In the Hradec Králové Region, starting today, bus fares are paid again and you board them through the front door. This is how the extraordinary measure due to the covid-19 epidemic, which the region introduced on March 17, ended. The measure was intended to limit contact between drivers and passengers and reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus to the driver. Regional spokeswoman Sylvie Velčovská told ČTK today.

10:51 According to the Belgian Health Institute, 4.3% of the population there is immunized

A total of 4.3% of the population in Belgium developed antibodies against the coronavirus and the population's immunity to Covid-19 doubled in two weeks. This is according to a medical study published on Saturday, RTL reported.

10:35 AM In Prague, they will no longer test seniors and people over 40 as part of the survey. Capacity has been reached

In Prague, the collection capacity for the study of collective immunity to the coronavirus in seniors and people aged 40 to 59 was filled today. On the other hand, children and young people are missing. From Sunday, April 26, a testing place in the Kateřinská garden is reserved for them, starting at 10:00 a.m. Petra Klusáková, spokeswoman for the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague, told ČTK today. More than 3,000 people out of the 5,000 planned were tested in the capital in two days. Testing in Prague is provided by the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and the Army of the Czech Republic.

10:26 The middle generation is most interested in testing in the Olomouc region

At all four collection points in the Olomouc region, more people were tested on Friday than were registered in the reservation system. The testing, which is part of the study of collective immunity against covid-19, is mainly interested in volunteers from among the middle generation. People between the ages of 40 and 59 most often occupy not only the two collection tents in Olomouc, but also the collection points in Uničov and Litovla.

10:00 Germany reports 2,055 new infections, which is less than the day before

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Germany increased by 2,055 to 152,438 in a day. Citing data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Reuters reported this today. Compared to the previous days, this is a slight decrease, on Friday the country reported 2337 new infections. The number of deaths from the covid-19 disease increased by 179 to 5,500. A day earlier, the RKI reported 227 new deaths.

9:32 Doping fraudsters will be caught even during the pandemic, says Coe

The head of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, has warned athletes around the world not to think they can use the current coronavirus crisis to break anti-doping rules with impunity. We'll catch you, he threatened would-be cheaters.

9:12 Belgium announced a plan to ease measures due to the coronavirus

Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmésová announced a detailed plan for the gradual easing of restrictive measures introduced against the spread of the coronavirus. Under the new rules, all shops in the country will be allowed to open on May 11, and schools will be able to open the following week on May 18 - but the number of students in the classroom will be limited, the BBC reported. But as the prime minister added, everything can still change and "nothing is set in stone".

8:35 The number of recovered people in the Czech Republic rose to 2,389, one person died by morning

So far, 215 people have died in the Czech Republic from covid-19, which is caused by a new type of coronavirus. Since the evening, the number of victims has risen by one. So far, 2,389 infected people have recovered, 18 fewer were cured on Friday evening. There are 7,273 confirmed cases of infection in the Czech Republic. On Friday, 86 cases were added, which was the second lowest increase for this week, laboratories performed 7,073 tests that day. This follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health as of 08:30 today.

8:05 China has 12 new cases of infection, one more than the previous day

Mainland China announced 12 new cases of coronavirus infection on Friday. This is one more than the previous day, when China recorded six cases. No one died from the disease. This was reported by the Reuters agency with reference to the National Health Commission. A total of 11 cases were so-called imported cases, i.e. cases where people became infected abroad. A day earlier, there were only two cases.

7:55 Narcomafia in Latin America is flexible, it is said that the infection will not stop it

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, which has closed borders and almost stopped international air traffic, according to some analysts, drug cartels in Latin America also have existential concerns. But according to other experts quoted by the BBC Mundo server this week, drug mafias have already adapted to the new situation.

7:30 The coronavirus may cut the sales of European winemakers by half

The closure of bars and restaurants to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus has reduced wine sales worldwide, and European winemakers' sales may fall by half. The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) stated this in its estimate. However, wine sales will probably increase again as soon as movement restrictions are eased. However, the crisis could cause irreversible changes in this industry, Reuters writes.

SATURDAY 25.4.

21:38 Prague wants to start parking zones earlier, it depends on the government

The capital wants the government to speed up the launch of parking zones. On Friday, representatives of the Prague crisis team agreed on this. By decision of the government, the functioning of the zones is suspended in all Czech municipalities for the duration of the state of emergency. The representatives of Prague demand that, in the event of the extension of the state of emergency until May 25, which will be voted on by the House of Representatives, the government will start the functioning of the zones already on May 11. According to them, their absence causes traffic problems in the metropolis.

21:13 Only 8,500 visitors per day will be able to visit the Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo will open to visitors during standard opening hours on Monday, April 27. However, the number of visitors will be limited to 8,500 people per day. It will not be possible to buy a ticket on the spot, said zoo director Miroslav Bobek. Government measures against the covid-19 disease closed the zoo to the public on March 13. Last year, 1,456,526 visitors came to the zoo, 8,000 more than in the record year of 2016.

20:35 France reported the lowest daily number of deaths since the end of March

France recorded 389 new deaths from covid-19 in the last day, which is the lowest since the end of March. The number of people in hospitals and intensive care units also continues to decrease. With reference to the statement of the representative of the Ministry of Health, Jérôme Salomon, Le Figaro reported about it. Since the start of the pandemic, France has already recorded 22,245 patients who died from complications caused by the coronavirus. There are currently 122,577 infected people in the country.

19:32 In Prague and Brno, 5,000 people were examined in the first two days of the study

Over 3,000 people out of the 5,000 planned were examined in Prague during the first two days of the collective immunity study against covid-19. The most missing samples from children are now, researchers still need about 800 of them. On the contrary, samples from adults over 40 and seniors are least needed, according to data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS). The study aims to show how many people in the Czech Republic have already experienced the disease caused by the new type of coronavirus and have antibodies. A total of 27,000 people are planned to be tested.

19:03 Prague has seven infected in 24 hours, at least since mid-March

New cases of covid-19 have increased by seven in Prague since Thursday evening to a total of 1,668. This is the lowest daily increase since March 12, when infection with the new coronavirus was also proven in seven people. The number of cured patients increased by 55 compared to Thursday evening to 533. Three people with the coronavirus died in the capital during the same period, bringing the total number since the beginning of the epidemic to 70. This is according to data on the website of the Prague hygiene station as of 18:00 today.

18:50 The number of people cured of covid-19 increased by a tenth in the Czech Republic from Thursday

The number of people cured of the covid-19 disease caused by the coronavirus increased by a tenth in the Czech Republic as of Thursday evening to 2,371. The number of deaths infected with the coronavirus, similar to the previous days, increased much more moderately, by two percent in the last 24 hours to 214. It follows from data on the website of the Ministry of Health. The number of confirmed cases of covid-19 has so far risen by 49 to 7,236. There are currently over 4,600 sick people in the Czech Republic, of which, according to data from this morning, there are about four hundred people with the coronavirus in hospitals.

18:32 In Italy, the fewest number of infected people died in a day since March 19

In Italy, 420 patients with the coronavirus died in the last day, which is the lowest daily balance since March 19. In total, Italy has almost 26,000 victims of the covid-19 disease. The number of infected increased by 3,021, i.e. more than on Thursday. The Office of Civil Protection informed about this today.

17:51 Over 50,000 people have already died from the coronavirus in the USA

Over 50,000 people in the United States have already succumbed to complications accompanying the coronavirus infection. This is stated by the current balance of the American Johns Hopkins University (JHU), which monitors the pandemic of the covid-19 disease worldwide. According to JHU, more than 870,000 US residents have tested positive for the virus so far, which is the most in the world.

17:48 Lufthansa expects to cut 10,000 jobs due to the virus

About 10,000 jobs will disappear in the largest German airline Lufthansa as a result of the coronavirus crisis. This was predicted by the head of the company, Carsten Spohr. He also expects that the company will operate 100 fewer planes after the end of the crisis. Before the outbreak of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, airlines employed around 130,000 people and operated around 760 aircraft, the DPA agency wrote.

17:23 Babiš and Vojtěch denied that they made mistakes in issuing restrictions

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) and Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) denied that the government made a mistake when it converted part of the restrictive measures from crisis decisions to measures of the Ministry of Health. They said this at a press conference today. On Thursday, the ministerial measures were annulled by the court as illegal, according to which the government should have decided on the basis of the crisis law. According to Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO), the court's decision will not affect any disputes over compensation for damages.

16:44 It will be compulsory to wear masks until at least the end of June, confirmed Vojtěch

Measures against the spread of the coronavirus, such as social distancing, disinfection and masks, will be in place until at least the end of June. The earlier words of the Deputy Minister of Health, Roman Prymula, were confirmed at the press conference after the government meeting by the Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch (for ANO). According to him, the rules for masks should apply for the next two months, then one can consider loosening them according to the place of movement, for example. Vojtěch also stated that he is considering releasing some groups from the obligation to wear masks. He named the artists for whom the veil makes it impossible to work.

16:40 České dráhy will resume operation of four lines from Sunday

Czech Railways will resume operations on some long-distance lines from Sunday. These are lines from Prague to Břeclav, Cheb, Karlovy Vary and Wallachia. The carrier will gradually renew other lines according to the demand of passengers and those ordering connections. The company announced this in a press release today. Other carriers are also gradually resuming operations.

15:40 Social services will gradually resume operations from April 27, said Maláčová

Social services will gradually resume operations from Monday, initially only remotely via the internet or phone. They will gradually start working in the field or on an outpatient basis in May. On June 8, inpatients and therapy workshops could be the last to open for all clients except seniors. This was announced by the Minister of Labor Jana Maláčová (ČSSD). According to her, the government agreed with the proposal. Social services closed on March 16 due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

15:00 The opposition wants to know the arguments for extending the state of emergency

The opposition parties first want to hear the government's arguments before deciding whether to support the extension of the state of emergency in the Chamber of Deputies. According to the chairman of the ODS, Petr Fiala, if the cabinet's reasons are reasonable and the measures are as restrained as possible and with a clear plan for their release, an extension of one to two weeks can be discussed. The government wants to ask the House of Representatives to extend the state of emergency until May 25, now valid until Thursday, April 30.

13:53 The government approved the request to extend the state of emergency

The government today approved the material of the Ministry of Health, on the basis of which it will ask the House of Representatives to extend the state of emergency. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD). On Thursday, government officials said they wanted to extend the state of emergency until May 25 to maintain the restrictive measures taken due to the coronavirus epidemic. A state of emergency is now in effect until April 30.

12:30 The police evaluated the murder in Auschwitz as a misdemeanor

The murder, which took place a week ago at the castle chancellor Vratislav Mynár in Osvětimany in the Uherskohradišť region, was evaluated by the police as a misdemeanor. According to them, it consists in the violation of the ban on the gathering of the permitted number of people. The police informed the Regional Hygiene Station in Zlín about the offence, which is competent to decide on a possible sanction, police spokesman Petr Jaroš said today.

12:08 Some EU citizens will be able to travel to the Czech Republic from Monday

Citizens of European Union countries will be able to travel to the Czech Republic from Monday, if they travel for the purpose of performing an economic activity and their stay does not exceed three days. At the border, however, they will have to present a negative test for the coronavirus that is no longer than four days old. This was announced by Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) after the meeting of the Central Crisis Staff. For example, seasonal workers will be able to travel for a longer period, provided that their employer meets the given conditions.

12:05 Border protection with Germany and Austria will last another 20 days

On Thursday, the government again decided to extend controls at the borders with Germany and Austria by 20 days. At the press conference after today's plenary meeting of the Central Crisis Staff, its boss, Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said this. They should last until midnight on May 14.

11:42 The government does not want to deal with short-term trips, for example for shopping, Babiš said

According to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), the government does not and does not want to deal with short-term trips outside the Czech Republic, for example for shopping or trips. Mass tourism does not work and Czechs should spend at home, the Prime Minister told Czech Radio Radiožurnál when describing the relaxation of free movement as decided by the government on Thursday evening. According to the cabinet's decision, when returning, a person must show a negative test for the coronavirus that is no more than four days old.

11:15 The House of Representatives could discuss the extension of the state of emergency on April 28

The House of Representatives could discuss the extension of the state of emergency in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, April 28. The chairman of the lower chamber, Radek Vondráček (ANO), said this on Czech television (ČT) today. He would like the meeting to be held in a limited mode, in which all 200 MPs would not participate. The state of emergency declared due to the coronavirus pandemic is now valid until April 30.

10:54 Divine services with 15 people can be held from today

Services and religious ceremonies with the participation of up to 15 people can already be held in Czech and Moravian churches from today. The government originally wanted to allow them from April 27, but approved an earlier date at Thursday's meeting. However, the participants of such meetings must follow the rules resulting from the government's resolution.

10:11 3,892 people were examined on the first day of the covid-19 study

On the first day of the collective immunity study, which is supposed to detect the occurrence of the covid-19 disease in the population, 3,892 people were tested in Prague, Brno and Litoměřice. The Institute of Health Information and Statistics (ÚZIS) published the first data on the number of people tested at 18:00 on Thursday, the subsequent total at 23:00 showed about 600 more tests. Testing also started today in Olomouc, Uničov and Litovla. At other places, serial numbers are issued so that people do not have to wait in queues for hours. About a seventh of the necessary tests were passed on the first day. Non-Prague test sites opened at 8:00 a.m., Prague at 10:00 a.m.

9:34 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer recommends traveling abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against traveling abroad, although it is again allowed to cross the border from today. On its website, it points out that restrictions limiting the movement of foreigners are still in place in other countries, and that cross-border transport remains complicated.

8:34 Masks will be worn at least until June, Prymula assumes

Measures against the spread of the coronavirus, such as keeping a distance, disinfection and masks, will apply at least until the end of June, according to Deputy Minister of Health Roman Prymula. He said on Czech television (ČT) today that due to compliance with these restrictions, the opening of schools will not speed up, because schools must count on compliance with these rules.

7:45 AM The government should approve the request to extend the state of emergency today

Today, the Ministry of Health will submit material to the government regarding the extension of the state of emergency. The cabinet should formally agree to ask the Chamber of Deputies to extend the state of emergency until May 25. Currently valid until April 30. According to the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO), all members of the cabinet agree with the extension of the state of emergency. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said that the government will ask the House for this on Friday.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

22:20 Vojtěch will not resign due to the court's verdict on the measures of the MZd

Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) is not considering resigning due to today's court decision to cancel four of his office's measures that restricted free movement, retail and services in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. He told journalists after the government meeting that the measures were key to managing the pandemic in the Czech Republic. Some opposition politicians encouraged Vojtěch to resign. The cabinet adopted the measures again as crisis measures of the government under the crisis law, for which it had until Monday.

22:10 People will be able to travel abroad again from Friday

People will be able to travel abroad again from Friday thanks to the relaxation of the ban on the free movement of people. This also applies to holidays. When returning to their homeland, people will have to prove that they have tested negative for the coronavirus, or they will have to go into a two-week quarantine. This was said by the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) after the government meeting.

22:05 Regions must newly provide 10 beds per 100,000 inhabitants for senior citizens

The counties will now have to provide only ten free beds per 100,000 inhabitants for seniors with covid-19. So far there have been 60 beds. The governors were bothered by the fact that the measure is blanket and, in their view, does not respect the real needs of individual regions.

You could watch previous events here.