Czech Republic's daily coronavirus count jumps again to new record

The Czech Republic has set another coronavirus record, with 1,541 new confirmed cases on Saturday, the Health Ministry said.

According to the data, which was released on Sunday, Prague remains one of the worst hot spots in the country. Starting Monday, all people in the Czech capital will be required not only to wear masks, but also to disinfect their hands upon entering stores and dining establishments.

Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib told broadcaster CT that the national government didn't take into account how case counts would spiral as the summer break ended. Schools have now become "Covid exchanges," he argued.

Pupils are not required to wear masks in classrooms, unlike in just about every other enclosed area in the country.

Health Minister Adam Vojtech said no one could have expected the case count to rise as quickly and massively as they have done in the last 14 days. He said countermeasures have been taken, but it will take some time for them to show an effect.

There are more than 13,700 active coronavirus cases in the country, which has 10.7 million residents. There have been 453 deaths.