Coronavirus: Austrians and Czechs foresee release from containment

Almost empty streets in the Old Town Square during containment in Prague, Czech Republic, March 31, 2020. The government plans to ease containment measures in the coming days. REUTERS / David W Cerny

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When and how to lift the restrictions put in place to fight coronavirus? Almost all European governments say they are thinking about it, but so far only Austria and the Czech Republic have announced a timetable for breaking out of containment.

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Playing tennis outdoors with the warm weather coming may be possible for the Czechs, starting next Thursday. They will also be able to visit certain businesses, such as DIY stores. For several days, the number of contaminations has been decreasing, hence the easing planned by the government.

Like the Czech Republic, Austria was one of the first countries in Europe to take drastic measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It is now the first country to present a timetable for restarting social and economic life.

Small shops can reopen on April 14, all other stores should wait for early May, or mid-May for restaurants. This relaxation is accompanied by stricter barrier gestures: since this Monday, wearing a mask is compulsory in supermarkets, it will also be in public transport.

► Read also: Coronavirus: Austria on the road to deconfinement

On the German side, no release is yet planned, said Chancellor Angela Merkel, all measures will remain in force until at least April 19. This is also the case in Italy, where the authorities have, however, presented a plan to gradually exit the pandemic. It includes the obligation to wear a mask and the probable introduction of an application to trace the movement of patients, on the South Korean model.

Read also: Germany will allow the arrival of seasonal workers despite the coronavirus

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  • European Union
  • Coronavirus
  • Containment
  • Health and Medicine
  • Austria
  • Czech republic

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