The Czech Republic is beginning the first of a five-stage relaxation of the lockdown today. Farmers’ markets, car dealerships and some other small businesses will be allowed to reopen for the first time since 12 March, when the country introduced one of the earliest lockdowns in Europe.
The government will discuss easing travel restrictions on Monday.
Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek says the borders should open initially for business and entrepreneurial purposes, while ordinary citizens should be able to begin visiting neighbouring countries in mid-May, depending on the epidemiological situation.
Travel and tourism would come at a later phase, he said, adding that he could imagine that people might even be able to take their beloved holidays to Croatia. Around 1m Czechs, a tenth of the population, visit the country each year.
The foreign minister also said that opening the borders of Schengen should be coordinated and that the situation in neighbouring countries would have to be taken into account.
In a radio interview, the country’s president, Milos Zeman, said he wanted the borders to remain closed for a year, and that people should instead “savour the beauty of the Czech countryside”.
Over 6,700 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the Czech Republic, along with 186 virus-related deaths.