The Czech government announced on Sunday that the free movement of all citizens would be limited for eight days in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Czechs are only allowed to go to work, shop, visit family members or see a doctor, take care of their pets, buy gas or go for a walk in the countryside, said Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
"These measures are intended to restrict the free movement of people and prevent the spread of the virus," Babis said during a press conference limited to certain media to reduce the risk of spreading the virus . They will remain in force until March 24 at 6 a.m. in this country of 10.7 million inhabitants, member of the EU, where 293 cases of contamination were counted until Sunday evening.
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Babis called on employers to allow telework and all Czechs to keep two meters away from people they meet, as well as to use bank cards rather than cash.
In recent days, Prague has closed schools, universities, theaters and cinemas first, then most shops, restaurants and pubs. Borders have been closed to both foreigners and Czechs wishing to travel abroad.
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