Exit visas for essential business travel
When a person violates the 9pm curfew, stay-at-home order or ban on non-essential contact and is taken to task for it, there's always the chance that the police officer or judge will show lenience. Minor, discreet infractions are normally tolerated. Attending a party for a bunch of bigwigs is another issue. It can cost a person his or her career. Businesspeople are about to face an even worse situation that could bring them into confrontation with both the law and public opinion. A pan-EU ban on non-essential travel will make an exit visa a prized commodity. Someone will have to decide what constitutes "imperative business travel," as set forth vaguely by the EU Commission. Hardly anyone dared to test the Czech travel ban last spring, although oligarchs with private planes could have found a way around it. It's different now. Many people will be tempted to get the necessary rubber stamp, but a record will be kept of anyone who does, as well as of the official who grants it.
Glossary of difficult words
to take to task - to reprimand or criticize someone severely for a fault or mistake;lenience/leniency - the fact or quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected;
discreet - careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, esp. in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment;
infraction - a violation or infringement of a law or agreement;
bigwig - an important person, esp. in a particular sphere;
prized commodity - something highly sought or with high value;
imperative - of vital importance; crucial.