The Czech government failed in its attempt to extend the state of emergency by an additional month. It argued in the lower house of parliament that the move was necessary in order to protect the public from the ongoing dangers of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the opposition refused to support the government, agreeing only to a two-week extension. This means that the current state of emergency will stay in effect until Dec. 23, at which point the government will have to request a further extension. Poor communication of the criteria for setting restrictions combined with growing levels of impatience from the public is now resulting in increasingly public revolt. Dozens of restaurant owners have vowed to stay open past the 8 pm closing time, in defiance of the government’s orders. Last week, when the second wave appeared to be ending, the government allowed shops and services to re-open but there are signs that the pandemic could once again be gaining momentum.
