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Due to being one of the epicentres of the coronavirus outbreak in the Czech Republic, 21 districts in the Moravian region around Olomouc have been closed off to the outside world for at least two weeks. Many only found out about it when confronted by police checkpoints on their way to work. However, those who spoke to Czech Radio say the locals are handling the situation well.

Eva Pilarová, one of the most acclaimed Czech singers of the second half of the twentieth century, has died at the age of 80. Famous for her swing and jazz songs, as well as her humble nature and endless positivity, Pilarová won four Golden Nightingale awards and continued releasing albums late into her life.

To help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, the Ministry of Health last week ordered all primary and secondary schools to close indefinitely. Some schools and teachers are better prepared and more technically equipped than others to transition to remote learning. To help ensure students don’t fall behind in core subjects – and give structure to their days – Czech Television has begun airing special educational programmes that replicate the feel of a classroom.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Czech government has declared a 30-day State of Emergency effective immediately. Among other things, it introduces a complete ban on travel, coming into effect on March 16. Below is a list of what measures are already in place or will come into effect within the next few days.

This Friday marks 140 years since the birth of the pioneering Czech architect and designer Josef Gočár. His legacy includes iconic works in a range of styles, most famously The House of the Black Madonna, in a Cubist tradition inspired by Picasso, and the “national” Rondocubist Legiobanka, born of independent Czechoslovakia.

All primary and secondary schools around the Czech Republic closed for an indefinite period on Wednesday in an attempt to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, leaving thousands of children at home. How will the measure affect their parents? And how will schools deal with the task of providing long-distance learning?

Carpenters are completing a replica of a rare 16th century wooden church from the village of Guty in Silesia, which was ravaged by fire more than two years ago. The church was intentionally set ablaze by three youths, who are now serving time in prison. The replica of the church will be disassembled and erected in Guty as soon as it receives safety approval from fire officers.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says the country is the “most active” when it comes to combating the coronavirus COVID-19 in Europe. The State Security Council has certainly issued many executive orders in recent weeks to help fight the sickness. Here is a rundown of what is in place in some key areas as of Wednesday, March 11.

With a strong economy and cities that few can rival in their beauty, the Czech Republic has become an increasingly popular country for foreigners from across the world. This has naturally led to a demand in Czech language courses. One of those who are leading the pack in online Czech teaching is YouTuber Vít Benešovský.

The Czech government has ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools in the country and is placing a ban on events hosting more than 100 people. The move was announced in connection with the first case of coronavirus in the country where the source of infection is not known.