Czech Republic
Students who went on preparatory courses to Czech universities and university students had to have a COVID test, and upon arrival in the Czech Republic to take two more tests. For those who arrived by plane, it was recommended to take the test just at the airport. A test procedure for COVID at the Faculty of Medicine was organized at Charles University. In order to wait for the test result in many universities, such as the Technical University of Prague, separate blocks of dormitories were allocated.
Two days after passing the test, if the result was positive, the student had to remain for two weeks of self-isolation. If the result was negative, the student was allowed to go outside on important matters in compliance with sanitary rules, but avoid contact with others until the second result within 14 days.
Due to the epidemiological situation, students who paid for dormitory accommodation but were able to come to the Czech Republic were allowed to return the money or extend their accommodation reservation free of charge until arrival.
The 2020/2021 academic year at Czech universities was held for students remotely, which negatively affected student learning outcomes, as many of them included online classes but went about their business. Therefore, at the end of the summer semester of 2021, many students had academic debts.
In December 2020, the student canteens were closed and students were forced to look for opportunities to dine in the surrounding fast food restaurants, which damaged their health. The closure of sports facilities has also not improved, to put it mildly.
As a result of the general quarantine in the country, most students lost their jobs and remained in a difficult situation. Many students went to work in the delivery service.
But gradually the situation in the Czech Republic is improving. From April 2021, the following events are allowed in Czech universities:
- conducting practical classes for medical students
- exams in classes of not more than 10 people
- private consultations
This year, entrance exams to Czech universities are not canceled, but entrants will take them remotely in June and wait for enrollment results.
Currently, students and teachers of Czech universities have the opportunity to take the COVID test at least once a week. From May 3, 2021, the university staff is already registered and vaccinated. So we hope that by the fall, studying at Czech universities will return to normal.