In the past week, the Czech Republic has witnessed a notable uptick in respiratory infections and positive Covid-19 tests, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health as the holiday season approaches. On Monday alone, the country reported 4,483 new cases of Covid-19, contributing to a total of nearly 20,000 new cases since the beginning of December.

Presently, 932 individuals are hospitalized due to Covid-19, with 50 in intensive care units. Health statisticians have recorded a concerning rate of 132 confirmed cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days, reflecting a significant increase in transmission.

The previous week also marked an escalation in Covid-19 cases, with nearly 10,000 people testing positive for the virus. Before Monday’s surge, the highest daily number was 3,486 newly detected infections, the highest since mid-October 2022.

Health officials conducted nearly 34,000 test results last week, primarily using antigen tests. The ongoing week may witness even higher numbers, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures.

In addition to the surge in Covid-19 cases, the incidence of acute respiratory diseases nationwide has increased by 5.8 percent, reaching 1,542 cases per 100,000 people last week. A more significant surge is observed in flu diseases, with a notable 29.4 percent increase compared to the previous week.

“The values of acute respiratory infections and flu diseases correspond to the season, with local epidemic foci but no signs of a widespread epidemic,” stated the health service, emphasizing the localized nature of the current situation.

The epidemic threshold, set at around 1,700 confirmed cases per 100,000 people, is a critical benchmark for evaluating the severity of the situation.

Helena Jiřincová, the head of the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Non-Influenza Diseases of the State Health Institute, noted that the flu arrived slightly earlier this season than in the past. However, uncertainty looms over whether the epidemic will peak before or after the Christmas holiday, necessitating continued monitoring and proactive public health measures.

Article by Prague Forum