⁍ The Czech government has ordered most shops and services to close.

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⁍ It is trying to curb Europe’s fastest growth in new coronavirus infections.

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⁍ The country was one of the more successful in Europe at curbing infections with swift shutdowns during the initial wave of the pandemic in the spring.

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– The Czech Republic is closing schools, bars, and restaurants and imposing restrictions on movement in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus, which has killed at least 1,619 people in Europe so far this month. Health Minister Roman Prymula says the measures, which will go into effect Thursday and last at least until Nov. 3, are “absolutely necessary,” Reuters reports. Food stores, pharmacies, and other essential services will remain open. People will still be allowed to visit family when necessary and go to the countryside, weekend houses, and parks. Assemblies of more than two people will be banned outside family members and co-workers. “We made errors, probably yes, I can apologize again to all,” Prime Minister Andrej Babis says. “At the moment it looks very bad, but I am convinced that these measures should work.”