Dear clients,

we bring you another coronavirus update, in which we have prepared an overview of current changes and news for you.

End of state of emergency

On 17 May 2020, the state of emergency ended. However, some measures still take place, such as wearing face masks which no longer need to be worn in the office if the employee is working at least 2 meters away from another person. Another exception then applies to employees whose work falls under III. or IV. risk category and the risk factor in their case is the "heat load".

Social security contributions and a contribution to state employment policy

Yesterday (20. 5. 2020) the Senate voted to approve the bill, which we have already informed you about and which in fact allows for the deferral of payments for employers for social security and contribution to the state employment policy for the calendar months May, June and July 2020 (or pay the premium in a lower amount).

However, the employer still has to pay the premiums that the employees are obliged to pay for these months.

Provided that the debt thus incurred is repaid by 20 October 2020 at the latest, the penalty on this debt shall be reduced by 80 %.

However, the possibility of postponing premiums until October 2020 may conflict with the conditions for drawing a contribution from the Antivirus program, which requires the continued payment of mandatory contributions to pay the contribution. The Antivirus Employer's Manual and its agreements do not yet reflect this potential collision. However, given the development of the situation (and an informal preliminary consultation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs), it can be expected that the use of deferred payment of premiums together with drawing the contribution from the Antivirus program may be incompatible and the employer will have to choose which of the offered options is more advantageous. Therefore, if you are drawing or plan to draw a contribution from the Antivirus program, we would recommend the possibility of postponing payments with a reduced penalty to be rather prudent at this time.

Performance of economic activity - crossing borders

It is now also possible to cross borders for the purpose of carrying out an economic activity, in two regimes:

This is not a regular border crossing in the sense of a cross-border worker (commuter). This option can be used for irregular border crossings, such as business trips or business meetings.

- with return within 72 hours

• only a restriction of free movement for a period of 14 days after returning to the Czech Republic is mandatory for this person (he / she does not have to translate a negative test!)

- with return over 72 hours

• upon entering the territory of the Czech Republic, it is necessary to submit a medical certificate of completion of the PCR test, which can also be completed in the Czech Republic and

• subsequently only mandatory restriction of free movement for a period of 14 days after return to the Czech Republic, or

• otherwise it is subject to mandatory quarantine measures.

Both groups must still present a document proving the relevant economic activity during the transition.

Nursing until holidays

Along with the postponement of insurance premiums, the Senate approved the extension of the nursing allowance until 30 June 2020. The condition of childcare is now fulfilled even if the parent decides not to place the child in a facility that normally cares for him due to concerns about his or her health or health concerns with a child living in the same household . Likewise, the reason for non-placement will be, for example, the capacity or time limit of the equipment. The benefit should continue to be provided at 80% of the employee's reduced average earnings.

Extension of the validity of affidavits / medical reports

Based on Government Resolutions No. 214 and 280, it was possible to replace the assessment of the medical fitness of the person applying for employment with a solemn declaration for the duration of the state of the emergency.

The validity of these affidavits is extended for employees whose employment relationship has arisen since the date of the declaration of a state of emergency:

• a maximum of 90 days from the day following the end of the state of emergency, for work included in the first and second categories;

• a maximum of 30 days from the day following the end of the state of emergency, for work classified as second risk, third and fourth.

Furthermore, the validity of medical reports on medical fitness for work issued on the basis of initial medical examinations / periodic assessments / extraordinary examinations is extended, namely:

• 90 days from the day following the end of the state of emergency, if the assessment conclusion was "medically fit"

• 30 days from the day following the end of the state of emergency in the event that the assessment conclusion was "eligible with condition".

Final dismantling from May 25, 2020

At the same time, from Monday there will be a final wave of dismantling and under certain conditions it will be possible to open the following:

• restaurants, cafes, bars and other establishments of catering services (indoor spaces) - also applies to the operation of catering facilities in shopping centers over 5,000 m2;

• hotels, outdoor campsites and other accommodation facilities;

• taxi services (not yet allowed);

• trades in which the integrity of the skin is violated;

• saunas and wellness centers;

• natural and artificial swimming pools (covered and uncovered).

It will also be possible to organize mass events in outdoor and indoor areas with the participation of a maximum of 300 people at the same time.