Thursday news summary

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Prague has been decreasing

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Prague decreased further on Wednesday. There were 632 more infected, about a tenth less than a week ago. Compared to the previous Wednesday, however, the number of people vaccinated against Covid-19 also decreased. Despite the gradual decline in the number of new infections, the capacity of hospitals in the capital remains almost completely exhausted. As of this morning, only 16 percent of the standard oxygen beds and ten percent of the ventilator beds were available.

Blatný's dismissal caused by his rejection of Sputnik V, according to media

Czech media relate the dismissal of the Minister of Health Jan Blatný (for ANO) mainly to his negative attitude towards the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. According to the Czech news websites, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) is trying to satisfy President Miloš Zeman, who supports the use of Sputnik in the Czech Republic. Blatný was replaced by a dermatologist and director of the Prague Vinohrady Hospital Petr Arenberger. The president appointed a new health minister on Wednesday. Babiš rejects the claim that the reason for Blatný's dismissal was his refusal to use Sputnik V before its approval in the EU.

Victims of the Holocaust will be commemorated online

Today, by public reading, people can commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the sixteenth year of the event will be held only online. The reading is organized by the Terezín Initiative. It is held on the occasion of the day, which in Hebrew is called Yom HaShoah and is celebrated as the Day of the Holocaust and Heroism.

Masters of Rock Festival has been postponed

There will be no Masters of Rock Festival in Vizovice in the Zlín region this year either. Due to coronavirus, the organizers moved the 18th festival to July 2022. Tickets will remain valid. Over 20,000 fans attend the metal music show every year.