PRAGUE — The Czech government has decided to further tighten restrictions to curb a record surge in coronavirus infections.

Health Minister Roman Prymula said that starting Wednesday, the government is imposing a nation-wide curfew between at 9 p.m. and ending at 4.59 a.m. The curfew will not apply to people traveling to work or those walking their dogs within 500 meters (547 yards) from their homes.

All stores will be closed on Sundays. The government has advised employees in the state and private companies to work from home if possible. Outdoor markets have been ordered closed except those selling farmers’ food products.

The Czech Republic is currently one of Europe’s hardest-hit countries. It has tallied 263,572 confirmed cases, with about one-third of that number registered in the last seven days. Currently, 5,613 coronavirus patients are in hospital with 828 in serious condition.

The death toll stands at 2,337 people, some 1,600 of whom died in October.