Czech news in brief for January 6: Monday's top headlines

Czech fertility rates fell from 1.83 children per woman in 2021 to 1.62 in 2022, researchers at the SYRI National Institute reported today. The decline is linked to women postponing conception during Covid-19 vaccination, citing uncertainty about vaccine safety during pregnancy and afterwards. Scientists noted the unprecedented scale and timing of vaccinations across Czechia. Fertility had risen earlier in the pandemic but dropped after widespread vaccine availability in mid-2021.

Alena Pataky, deputy mayor of Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz, announced her resignation Monday following backlash over controversial remarks about Roma education. Pataky claimed Roma lack educational goals due to "genetic" differences, sparking widespread condemnation from education experts, Roma advocates, and ANO party leader Andrej Babiš. Mayor Petr Veselka stated the resignation is not yet official. Pataky oversaw education in the district. Government Human Rights Commissioner Klara Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková called the comments unethical and damaging.

Starting this year, Czech health insurers will reimburse new treatments, including robotic surgery for endometriosis, AI heart failure devices, and dopamine pumps for advanced Parkinson’s disease, the General Health Insurance Company (VZP) announced today. Reimbursements also cover palliative care consultations and abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings for men aged 65-67, a high-risk group. Hospitals must secure contracts with insurers before offering these services.

Czech health experts warn of a growing flu epidemic, with influenza becoming the dominant respiratory illness. During the Christmas holidays, flu cases dropped to 831 per 100,000 people, but the State Institute of Public Health says the data is distorted. Jan Kynčl, an epidemiologist, noted increased flu virus incidences alongside other respiratory illnesses. Updated data next week is expected to confirm the start of a nationwide epidemic.

The Czech Republic achieved its 2 percent GDP defense spending target in 2024, allocating CZK 177.1 billion and spending CZK 166.8 billion, the Defense Ministry announced today. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura highlighted increased spending in recent months to meet the goal, while Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed adjustments ensured compliance. The commitment aligns with NATO standards, underscoring the nation's focus on defense investment amid regional security concerns.

Meteorologists warn of icy conditions in the Highlands, Moravia, and parts of Bohemia, with morning temperatures near freezing. Czech Railways faces disruptions on about ten sections due to ice-covered traction lines and fallen trees. Trains between Prague and Nymburk are rerouted via Poříčany due to switch issues. Caution is advised for travelers, though temperatures are expected to rise above 10°C later, melting the ice quickly in most areas.

A police officer died Sunday afternoon after a Škoda Fabia lost control and crashed into a police van responding to an earlier accident on the D5 highway near Heřmanova Huť. Four others were injured, one transported by helicopter. Traffic toward Prague was restricted for seven hours. Icy road conditions contributed to multiple incidents, including another crash near Pilsen, where three people sustained minor injuries.

Czech Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková has pulled out of the Australian Open, citing an unresolved back injury. “It’s disappointing because I love playing in Melbourne,” she tweeted, recalling her 2024 quarterfinals run. The injury, which troubled her late last season, remains unhealed. Australian Open organizers confirmed her absence on their website ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.

Prague Zoo marked the first birthday of Mobi, a lowland gorilla and granddaughter of Moja, the first gorilla born in a Czech zoo. Visitors gathered Saturday to see Mobi and explore new attractions in the Dja Reserve. Zoo officials highlighted 2024 as the first year in over six decades with two gorilla births. Mobi’s name, meaning “heiress,” was chosen by children in Cameroon’s Somalomo village.

Czech national parks face increasing issues with undisciplined visitors while lacking sufficient guardians, officials report. Common violations include entering prohibited areas, littering, and unauthorized constructions. Despite rising tourism, guardian numbers remain stagnant due to low salaries and limited funding. Volunteer support has also declined. Some parks, like Krkonoše, consider introducing entry fees to offset rising maintenance costs.