On Tuesday, the Czech Ministry of Health issued a series of measures in response to the spread of coronavirus in the Czech Republic. All events with more than 100 people have been banned, and teaching at primary, secondary, and tertiary professional schools has been suspended. A number of public buildings and facilities in Brno have also announced measures in response to the outbreak. In photo: Mahen library in Brno / credit: Brno Daily.
Brno, Mar 11 (BD) – In Brno, 66 elementary schools run by the municipality have closed, affecting 31,500 pupils. Parents are recommended to access up-to-date information on the website of the Czech Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. All kindergartens in Brno remain open.
The ban on cultural events with over 100 people, covering theatres, cinemas, concert halls, clubs, and others, will affect a large number of events. Some cultural venues may seek to remain open with reduced capacity. Information regarding refunds on tickets already purchased or rescheduled events should be published on the websites of the venues or organizers. The Jobspin Job Fair at Trznice and the trade fair at the Brno Exhibition Center will not take place.
The National Theatre Brno has cancelled all performances and events in the Janáček Theatre, Mahen Theatre and Reduta Theatre, effective from March 10th until further notice. Ticket-holders can claim refunds for tickets already purchased via email, at storno@ndbrno.cz, including their bank account number with bank code and scanned copies of their tickets. Tickets paid by credit card or via bank transfer will be refunded automatically, on the day after the scheduled performance. Season ticket holders will be notified with alternative dates of performances. The theatre website will be updated with information about scheduled concerts, including Zrní, Rudy Linka, Vienna Strauss Philharmonic Orchestra, Hradišťan, and Hana and Petr Ulrychovi, as those will be dealt with individually. Classes at the I. V. Psota Ballet School will also be suspended.
The Moravian Library is closed to the public from Wednesday March 11th until further notice. All cultural and educational events planned in the building have been cancelled. The decision was taken in consultation with other libraries and the Ministry of Culture. The library will waive fines for books due back while the library is closed, though they can still be returned via a box in front of the library. The library’s electronic resources will still be available.
From March 12th, the swimming pools at Kraví hora, Lužánky, Ponávka, Rašínova and Kohoutovice will be closed. Other facilities were also advised to shut down operations. As the risk of contamination is higher in environments with higher humidity and temperature, the City of Brno has recommended that citizens avoid saunas and wellness centers.
At present, the operation of Brno City Hall will not be significantly reduced. However, citizens are advised not to visit unless strictly necessary. Those needing to visit the Trade Licensing Office to report a tied trade (related to the new law on real estate brokerage) can avoid their trip with electronic submission via the JRF application, via Data Box, or via email to the City of Brno at posta@brno.cz (submissions must be accompanied by a recognized electronic signature). Alternatively, submissions may be made by post. It is also possible to pay municipal waste fees electronically. (You can find more information about the obligatory waste fees payable by every Brno resident here.)
Public transport connections will continue operating according to the normal timetable. Any changes will be announced by the Municipality and the Brno Public Transport Company. As an additional precautionary measure, doors will open automatically on public transport vehicles so that passengers do not have to touch the buttons. The disinfection of vehicles will be increased.
In accordance with recommendations from the Regional Hygiene Authority, citizens are advised to observe the standard hygiene rules when moving among a higher concentration of people (washing hands, covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, etc.).
