⁍ The Czech Republic is experiencing the strongest surge in Europe when adjusted for population.

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⁍ The number of infections has soared to nearly 120,000, from around 25,000 at the beginning of September.

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⁍ The government has been seeking to avoid repeating the strict lockdowns imposed in the spring, which sent the economy into a record contraction.

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– “We are aware that we have one shot, and one shot that has to be successful, so we manage the growth of the epidemic this time as well.” So says Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis in regard to the country’s coronavirus, which has now infected nearly 120,000 people in Europe and killed 10, reports Reuters. To that end, the Czech government on Wednesday ordered bars, restaurants, and clubs to close and shifted schools to distance learning. Public gatherings will be limited to six people, alcohol consumption in public spaces will be banned, and masks will be required at public transport stops. Takeaway orders will still be available until 8pm. Schools, expect for pre-schools, would move to online lessons until Nov. 1—a measure that companies and especially hospitals have worried would affect staffing. This extends distance learning that had already been in place for secondary schools. The measures will be in place until the start of November, and the government said that while schools would definitely reopen on Nov. 2, other measures would be relaxed according to the epidemiological situation.