(ČIA) The curve of new COVID-19 infections that had been rising to date is turning around and averages are falling. This was confirmed by Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) after a meeting of the Central Crisis Staff (ÚKŠ), adding that even though the numbers of hospitalized persons remains high, the healthcare system should be able to handle the situation. He said that the situation is better but remains complicated. This is why the ÚKŠ will request an extension of the state of emergency by at least 14 days. Without it, it is according to the minister not possible to manage the situation at present. The government would lose the ability to restrict movement or close establishments.