The Czech Ministry of Health has announced a number of measures amid the spreading and concerning coronavirus outbreak. 

To date, there are 40 cases of coronavirus in the Czech Republic, and authorities are looking at ways to hinder the disease from spreading and mitigate its harm.

As from tomorrow, all Czech elementary and secondary schools will close, and students are asked to stay at home in order to avoid any risks of the virus from spreading. 

University lectures will also be affected, as the institutions will be following on the government’s announcement. Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Brno’s Technical University and Mendel University have confirmed that classes will be cancelled. 

In a press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrej Babis said, “Our paramount task is the health of our citizens. We understand this will be very unpleasant for people, but we want to prevent, by all means, what happened in Italy from happening here.”

Previously, the Czech government prohibited hospital and retirement home visits and issued checks to be made at the borders to test whether travellers entering are ill. 

“We want people to go to work and the economy to farewell. This is essential.”

Additionally, sporting event organisers were told to ensure that any games are played behind closed doors, meaning that no spectators will be present at the grounds.

Anyone who breaks the laws or goes against the government’s measures could have to pay a fine of around three million crowns.