Czech News Highlights: Top Morning Headlines for Thursday November 20
Poland has issued a travel warning for its citizens regarding Czechia due to a significant rise in hepatitis A cases. According to reports, Czech health authorities have registered a total of 2,597 infections and 29 related deaths in 2023. This marks a fourfold increase in cases compared to the previous year. The Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of strict hygiene, advised against consuming street food, and recommended drinking only bottled water while in Czechia.
Czech Health Crisis: Hepatitis A Surge
Prague has been particularly affected by the spread of hepatitis A. Health experts suggest that the disease is no longer limited to traditional risk groups, which raises concerns for both locals and visitors.
Pankrác Metro Station Reopening Soon
In another development, the Pankrác metro station in Prague is expected to reopen before Christmas 2024. This station, part of metro line C, has been closed since January 2024 for extensive renovations. Deputy Transport Minister Zdeněk Hřib announced that the upgrades include:
- New escalators
- Improved cabling
- Updated public toilets
- Construction of a transfer hub for the future line D
- A new elevator lobby and a roundabout for better traffic flow
New Measures Against Fentanyl in Czechia
Meanwhile, ten dogs from the Czech Customs Administration have recently completed training to detect fentanyl. Officials reported this achievement during an international seminar held at the agency’s cynology center in Heřmanice. The training involved both indoor and simulated real-world scenarios. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid significantly stronger than heroin, has been associated with 15 deaths in Czechia last year.
Strain on Ukrainian Forces Amid Ongoing Conflict
According to Jan Hermánek, head of the aid group Team 4Ukraine, Ukrainian military operations are under increasing strain. Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified over the past year. He noted that early-morning strikes are becoming more common, and missile modifications aim to bypass defenses. Demand for essential supplies, including vehicles and evacuation gear, remains high, with about 30 percent of equipment being provided by volunteers. Hermánek mentioned collaboration with Czech organizations, though centralized coordination is lacking.
Hostile Relations Between Drivers and Cyclists
A recent Kantar survey for the Dám respekt initiative reveals that a considerable number of young Czechs perceive the relationship between cyclists and motorists as confrontational. The findings show that:
- 67 percent of high school students see tensions as high
- 72 percent of young drivers share the same view
- Nearly half of young drivers report feeling annoyed by cyclists
Initiative founder Roman Kreuziger advocates for improved education and infrastructure to address this issue, rather than punitive measures. Czech roads experience approximately 4,000 cyclist-related accidents annually, highlighting the need for better coexistence strategies.
