Czech government prolongs financial support to employers affected by coronavirus

Prague, 25 August 2020

As of 24 August 2020, the Czech government approved prolongation of the “Antivirus” Program to support employers affected by COVID-19. Antivirus A (temporary closure of operations ordered by the government or quarantine of employees) and Antivirus B (obstacles to work on the side of the employer as a result of related economic difficulties due to the spread of coronavirus, including so called “partial unemployment”) will be prolonged until the end of October 2020.

Antivirus A refers to the forced restriction of traffic and quarantine on the basis of a crisis measure or regulation issued by the competent authority. Employers can apply and obtain a contribution from the state in the amount of 80% of the employees’ wages, in the maximum amount corresponding to CZK 39,000.

Antivirus B refers to the so-called related economic difficulties. These represent obstacles to work on the part of the employer, for example due to the regulation of quarantine or childcare for a significant part of employees, reduced demand for services, for products and for other products of the company. If the conditions are met, employers can apply and obtain a contribution from the state in the amount of 60% of the employees’ wages, however, in the maximum amount corresponding to CZK 29,000.