The Czech Republic is grappling with the increasing spread of the highly infectious variant of COVID-19, prompting Health Minister Vlastimil Válek to issue a renewed call for vaccination, particularly among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The number of infections is on the rise, with expectations of further increases in the coming weeks, according to the National Institute for Health.

Minister Válek stressed the importance of vaccination for individuals who are elderly, overweight, or have comorbidities like heart diseases. While vaccination does not guarantee immunity from infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe disease progression. The current COVID-19 variant poses a heightened risk of infection, making vaccination a crucial preventive measure.

As of now, approximately 380 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, with 31 in intensive care units (ICU). Josef Pavlovic, the Health Ministry’s spokesperson, clarified that hospitalization is often not primarily due to the infection itself but incidental discoveries while treating patients for other health issues.

Infectious disease expert Pavel Dlouhý, a member of the National Institute for Pandemic Control (NIZP), highlighted that frail seniors are predominantly ending up in hospitals. For this demographic, COVID-19, coupled with existing health issues, significantly worsens their condition, necessitating hospital care.

Despite the rising numbers, the Health Ministry is not currently contemplating additional restrictive measures. Instead, they are advocating for the reinforcement of hygiene and personal protection measures. Recommendations include the use of respirators in public transport, shops, and hospitals. Moreover, emphasizing a balanced diet with increased fruit and vegetable intake, along with regular handwashing, is part of the advisory to curb the spread of the virus.

The evolving situation in the Czech Republic underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the virus and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations and control the transmission of the highly infectious variant.

Article by Prague Forum