Selected social impacts and measures resulting from the Covid-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic on the specific example of the South Bohemian Region.

Abstract

The study of selected social impacts as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic is focused on an interdisciplinary approach in the Czech Republic in dealing with this crisis situation. The virus first appeared in early December 2019 in China, and on 1 March, the first positive person in the Czech Republic was confirmed. The Ministry of Health and subsequently the Government of the Czech Republic took relatively strict epidemiological measures in connection with the development of the epidemic in China, subsequently in individual countries of the European Union and in other countries throughout the world. In order to effectively implement epidemiological measures, the Government declared a state of emergency for the Czech Republic due to health threats in connection with the proof of occurrence of coronavirus SARS CoV-2 from 14.00 on 12 March 2020 for 30days. The state of emergency was then extended until 17 May 2020. The aim of the article is to investigate the emerging solutions and impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic on selected spheres of society in the Czech Republic in the period from March to April 2020, focusing on specific procedures in the South Bohemian Region. As part of the epidemiological measures, it was necessary to address the situation of socially disadvantaged groups, such as the homeless or those ordered out due to domestic violence. The case study examined the provision of care for homeless people and those ordered out due to domestic violence who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were not hospitalised or quarantined. In practice, crisis management tools in conjunction with epidemiological approaches have proven to be effective and usable. The examples show that, despite the complexity of the situation, regional and local governments have found a way to implement the necessary measures to mitigate the impact on local society and the community.