All stores in the Czech Republic could be allowed to open within a week, if improvement in the number of new cases of Covid-19 continue to improve. That was the message of Health Minister Jan Blatny, who said the current lockdown is having the desired effect, while warning there was still a long way to go. It’s unclear to what extent the government believes the current situation is actually safe for the opening of shopping centers. There’s been significant pressure applied on the government in recent days by retailers desperate not to remain closed on what is for most the most crucial month of the year. As of Monday, those stores that are currently forced to close at 8 p.m. will be allowed to remain open until 11 p.m. However, the current limit of 1 person per 15 square meters will still be enforced. The nightly curfew is also being loosened, as people can now stay out until 11 p.m. instead of the current 9 p.m.
