By Jiri Skacel

PRAGUE (Reuters – Czech restaurateurs and hoteliers saw the light at end of the tunnel as government cancelled vaccination requirements for entry to restaurants and other events.

Prague is a popular tourist spot and the hotels and restaurants there have been severely affected by the pandemic. Now, they hope that restrictions won’t be imposed.

“The relaxation permits guests to arrive without restriction and persecution. That’s of course welcomed. It has taken a long time for all, not just in gastronomy and the entire society,” stated Tomas Lachman from Oblaca Restaurant located at Prague’s TV tower at 66 metres.

As the Czech Republic hopes to end the Omicron wave, the Czech Republic has become the latest European country that is easing restrictions. Sweden lifted https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-declare-pandemic-over-despite-warnings-scientists-2022-02-09 most restrictions on Wednesday.

This country, home to 10.7 millions people has seen 37.660 of their citizens die. It also suffers one of the highest deaths per capita in the world. The number of daily infections reached 57,232 by February 1, but fell to 29,059 by Wednesday.

Many pubs didn’t require their guests to present their vaccination certificates because of weak enforcement. Many people actively disregarded the regulations.

Tomas Prouza (head of a lobbying group for commerce, tourism and trade) said that the situation was perverse. “Those who followed the rules were suffering while those who did not care and openly declared it were making money.” He welcomed the ending of the system.

“The number of people in hospitals is declining, so it’s time to live normal.”

Although the hospital population has been increasing, it is still at 3,784, which was Tuesday. However, this number is well below its peak of more than 9,000 last March. Just over 10% of peak number was in severe condition.

The government enforced a ban on masks in public places and indoors, and set limits for the number of people attending cultural or sporting events.

February 18th will be the last day for mandatory testing in schools and at work.

Petr Fiala, the Prime Minister of Russia, stated Wednesday that all remaining restrictions would be lifted starting March.

Katerina Joklova, general manager at Vienna House Andel’s Prague Hotel, said it had an occupancy rate of 10-15% and any relaxation was welcome.

It is a clear sign we are returning to normal living, and it’s certainly a light at end of the tunnel.