PRAGUE – The Czech government scrapped a decree on Wednesday making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for key professionals and over 60s to avoid “deepening fissures” in society, while the daily tally of new cases hit a record high.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said his new centre-right government did not see reasons for compulsory inoculation as the previous administration had planned in some sectors.

“This does not change our stance on vaccination. It is still undoubtedly the best way to fight COVID-19 … however, we do not want to deepen fissures in society,” Fiala told a news conference.

Fiala’s government has also shortened quarantine and isolation times while launching mandatory testing of employees at companies from this week.