Isolation, new solidarity, unclear future: The handling of the Sars-CoV-2 epidemic in the Czech Republic
Abstract
In the Czech Republic, very severe measures restricting public life were put in place very quickly in the fight against the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. The country closed its borders and broke its social and business relations with Austria and Germany in the border regions, despite their close mutual ties.
Despite this huge clampdown on civic rights, there was almost no criticism of the government's behaviour. Instead, wearing and sewing nose-and-mouth masks became a symbol of social cohesion, and the masks themselves became an item of national pride.
Some high-ranking politicians demanded an extension of executive competencies beyond the current emergency legislation. However, in contrast to Hungary, such attempts have no chance of success.
If, as is hoped, the pandemic is overcome quickly, no damage will be caused to democracy in the Czech Republic. However, the impact on the economy will be devastating.