News digest: Government agrees to send special flights to repatriate Slovak patients
An acquaintance of mobster Marian Kočner is appointed to a plum state post, EU directives promise to transform labour laws, and Pride Bratislava returns – with police protection.
Good evening. Here is the Friday, July 19 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
State to send special flights to return Slovaks hospitalised abroad
Two Slovak government aircraft, pictured at Bratislava Airport. (Source: FB: Foreign and European Affairs Ministry of SR)The Health Ministry has confirmed that three Slovak patients who are in a serious condition and have been hospitalised abroad will be brought back home. They includes Denis in China and two other patients in the USA, including 25-year-old Alexandra in Philadelphia. The Slovak Spectator reported on the cases of Denis and Alexandra last week.
"The Health Ministry is in direct contact with the Interior Ministry Air Unit, which, in cooperation with Slovak rescuers, will carry out the repatriation," the ministry stated.
Specific dates have been set for the government flights. The aircraft for the patient from China is scheduled to depart on July 27, 2024, and repatriation of the patients from the USA will take place on August 1, 2024.
Health Minister Zuzana Dolinková thanked everyone who is assisting with the transportation.
The ministry says the US transfer will also involve Alexandra, who was severely injured in a motorcyle accident in central America, but her father say he currently has no updates.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
- Politics: The director of a recently opened, state-funded Slovak cultural centre in London has documented ties to fraudster and accused murderer Marian Kočner.
- Good news: With a new week comes a new selection of feel-good stories from our colleague Radka: read about great bustards spotted near Bratislava, turning waste into sensors, and a medal-winning Slovak para-karate fighter.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovakia's labour law revolution
Katarína Matulníková (Source: Courtesy of Wolf Theiss)Slovakia’s labour laws are set for a dramatic overhaul as EU directives on gender equality, pay transparency, and gig economy regulations are transposed into Slovak legislation. These could lead to major changes in how we work and how wages are handled; Jana Liptáková has interviewed a labour law expert to bring you the low-down.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
The enchantment of Trenčín Castle at night
Each castle is even more mesmerizing at night. (Source: Pexels)Ever wondered what a mediaeval castle feels like at night? Now's your chance to travel back in time and experience the enchantment of Trenčín Castle with a special night-time guided tour. Learn more about this and other castles to visit.
IN OTHER NEWS
- Police will implement security measures for the Pride Bratislava 2024 event on Saturday, July 20, to ensure public order and safety, as well as smooth traffic flow. Drivers should expect traffic restrictions starting around noon in central Bratislava, particularly around Námestie Slobody, Dunajská, Karadžičova, 29. Augusta, and Dostojevského Rad. Authorities advise avoiding these areas from the afternoon to evening and following police instructions. (TASR)
- During a mountain storm, it’s crucial to descend to lower elevations and seek shelter in a hut, cabin, or other low-lying cover. Avoid open areas, bodies of water, tall trees, and poles. Milada Eštóková from the Public Health Authority of Slovakia advises staying away from metal structures and electronic devices, sitting on insulating materials, and keeping your limbs close to your body to minimize the potential of lightning strikes. When moving as a group, spread out by at least three metres to reduce the risk to the group. (TASR)
- Global technical issues are affecting local telecom operator Telekom and the Slovak branch of insurer Allianz, causing temporary closures of some call centres. Telekom reports that while calls, data and messages are functioning normally, its systems are currently unable to process customer requests at stores or contact centres. Allianz's call centre and web services are down, and its offices have been closed since noon; updates will be provided as the situation evolves. (TASR)
- The first two of Slovakia's 14 new F-16 fighter jets will arrive in Slovakia on the evening of July 22. A ceremony will be held at Kuchyňa Airbase, near Malacky in western Slovakia, where the jets will be stationed temporarily. Attendees will include Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák, President Peter Pellegrini, and other notables.
The police are reminding drivers of traffic restrictions for the AC/DC concert on Sunday, July 21, near the Old Airport in Vajnory, Bratislava. They have provided schematic maps for arrival routes from the southern (Exit 14 towards Ivanka pri Dunaji) and northern (Exit 18 towards Bernolákovo) directions. Any updates on traffic changes will be communicated to the public as needed. (Source: TASR)WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
It will remain warm, but partly cloudy with occasional showers or rain, and isolated thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will range from 24°C to 32°C, with warmer conditions expected on Sunday. (SHMÚ)
JULY 20, 21, 22 NAME DAYS IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday – Iľja and Eliáš, Sunday - Daniel, Monday - Magdaléna
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