The Czech Republic reported more than 1,000 coronavirus cases for the second day in a row on Thursday, as it widened compulsory wearing of face masks in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
The number of people currently infected has already exceeded 10,000, the highest since the beginning of the epidemic. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people hospitalized has also risen to 244 in the past month, 57 are in critical condition.
As of the end of Sept. 9, the country had 31,036 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,161 new cases identified by labs on that day alone.
Read: UPDATE: Mask-Wearing Compulsory Indoors From Tomorrow!
Czech authorities announced that face masks will become compulsory inside buildings from Thursday, September 10. Face masks were already mandatory on public transport and in all indoor public spaces.
Additional social distancing measures remain in effect. Schools and educational facilities have reopened.
The Czech government decided on Wednesday evening that people over the age of 60 would receive a respirator and five face masks by mail. On Thursday, Česká pošta will start working on organizing the distribution of packages.
Read: Czechs Republic See Largest Daily Rise in Coronavirus Infections With 1,164 New Cases
