Thousands of Czechs hold 'farewell party' for pandemic in Prague as country registers spike in cases

Thousands of people in Prague bid a “symbolic farewell” to the coronavirus pandemic with a street party stretching along one of the city’s most famous bridges.

Around 2,000 people sat at the 515-metre-long table on the medieval Charles Bridge to eat, drink and talk with little or no regard for social distancing, although disinfectant was provided and people were encouraged to bring their own food and refreshments.

People wanting to attend the free party, billed as a “unique event” on social media, had to book places in advance.

The Czech Republic has been heralded as one of Europe’s virus-fighting success stories. The country, which has a population of 10 million, implemented one of the continent’s harshest lockdowns, and has managed to keep Covid-related deaths down to 350 and infections below 12,000.

“This is a celebration to show people that we are not afraid and do not have to remain locked in our rooms,” said Ondrej Kozba, the party’s organiser. “The bridge was a good metaphor because it brings people together.

“We hope that people will bring something for themselves, and they will not be afraid to take a sandwich from a stranger,” he continued.

Mr Kozba added that he would like other cities and towns across the Czech Republic to follow Prague’s example by having their own parties.

Another aim of the celebration was also to help boost the morale of Prague, which has been hit hard by the collapse of international tourism.

“Normally in the high tourism season holding such an event would be impossible,” said Zdenek Hrib, the mayor of Prague. “I believe that many Prague residents enjoyed the chance to have a feast on the Charles Bridge, as did tourists from all over the Czech Republic, who are now coming to Prague.

“We needed to make a statement to the world that we are living again, and that we are inviting tourists,” he added.

The Prague party went ahead despite a two-month-high increase in infections in the Czech Republic over the weekend.

The spike was attributed to an outbreak in a coal mine in the north of the country that has now been brought under control.

As a further indication that the Czech authorities believe that they have brought pandemic under control from July 1 Czechs no longer have to wear facemasks in most indoor public spaces.