Wednesday news summary

The minister of health has been dismissed

The President of the Czech Republic has dismissed the Minister of Health Jan Blatný (for ANO). He will be replaced by the current director of the Vinohrady Hospital, Petr Arenberger. According to Blatný, his dismissal is a political decision of the Prime Minister.

There were speculations on Tuesday about potential dismissal of two ministers - not only the Minister of Health but also the Minister of Education Robert Plaga (for ANO). However, they both claimed that they had not heard from Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) that he would like to replace them. Plaga has not been dismissed yet.

Covid update

On Tuesday, there were 5,522 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Czech Republic, which is 3,100 less than a week ago. This has been the lowest daily increase on a weekday since the 14th of December. Starting next Monday, some shops and also zoos will be allowed to open - and younger children will return to schools - read more about it HERE.

Hospitals can do planned care again

From today, hospitals do not have to completely limit the planned care. The Ministry of Health has amended an emergency measure banning non-emergency care from the 30th of December. The Minister of Health Jan Blatný (for ANO) announced this step last week, after the government meeting he said that the improved situation in hospitals allowed releasing of this measure.

There are now about 5,700 people in hospitals with Covid-19. Already in the morning, Blatný stated that the government would discuss an offer of help with infected patients to the neighbouring countries.

International Roma Day goes online

The celebrations of the International Roma Day will take place online this year due to the epidemic. The three-day program with Roma musicians will begin tonight. On the occasion of the holiday, the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra will also hold a gala concert which will celebrate 30 years since its foundation and it will also commemorate the Museum of Roma Culture.