The Latest: Czech Rep sees another record daily jump

PRAGUE — Coronavirus infections in the Czech Republic are on a steep rise, setting a new record for the second straight day.

The Health Ministry says the daily increase soared to almost 15,000 on Wednesday. That's almost 3,000 more than the previous record a day earlier.

The country has been facing a surge for the last two months. It has had a total of 208,915 confirmed cases while 1,739 have died. About a third of all the new cases have been recorded in last seven days.

About 4,500 COVID-19 patients have filled up hospitals with the government expecting the health system will be overwhelmed by Nov. 11 if the surge doesn’t slow.

Further strict regulations are being imposed on Thursday, including limits on movement and the closure of many stores, shopping malls and hotels.

Since Wednesday, it’s mandatory again to wear masks outdoors and in cars.

The seven-day rolling average in the Czech Republic has risen over the past two weeks from 29.59 per 100,000 people on Oct. 6 to 85.64 on Tuesday.

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