Czech Republic reports highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases in over two months

Czech Republic's Prime Minister Andrej Babis adjusts his face mask as he waits for the arrival of his Slovak counterpart Igor Matovic in Prague, Czech Republic, June 3, 2020 - Copyright AP Photo/Petr David Josek

By Euronews with AFP

Published on 27/06/2020 - 23:04

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It comes just days before the country lifts the obligation to wear face-protection, exception made for Prague.

Czech Republic appears to be in the middle of a second coronavirus wave after it recorded hundreds of new cases between Friday and Saturday.

The Ministry of Health reported 168 new infections on Friday - the largest 24-hour increase since April 11 - then another 120 on Saturday.

It brought the total number of cases to over 11,000, while fatalities stand at 349.

Jarmila Razova, from the Czech Ministry of Health, said the spike was due to massive screenings in areas where the virus is spreading quickly, including a mine in the east of the country and a company in the north.

She also argued that Czechs "did not behave in a responsible manner" when restrictions were relaxed after the health situation in the country improved.

She insisted however that the outbreak was "under control" and confined to local clusters.

The country announced just a week ago that it would lift face-mask obligation from July 1, exception made for Prague, and it has also reopened its schools, shops and restaurants.

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