The state of emergency that allows the Czech government to continue using restrictive measures in its fight to control the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended until May 17. Parliament passed the measures, whose failure could have meant the opening of almost all stores and businesses as of May 1. The government had sought an extension until May 25, when hotels and restaurants are scheduled to be allowed to begin trading again. In the end, the government had to rely on the Communist party which offered to tolerate the emergency’s extension until May 17. The opposition argued that the government’s handling of the crisis has been chaotic and that it’s failed to communicate a rational strategy to the public.
