Czech news in brief for February 6: Friday's top morning headlines

The Czech Republic will begin testing a new emergency alert system for mobile phones in mid-2024. The technology allows authorities to send location-based warning messages directly to residents' devices during natural disasters or security threats. Unlike standard SMS, these cell-broadcast alerts appear instantly on screens with a distinct sound. The pilot phase will evaluate technical reliability before the system becomes fully operational nationwide.

The Olympic Festival has officially opened at the exhibition grounds in České Budějovice, running until Feb. 22. The event allows visitors to try various winter sports and follow live broadcasts from the Winter Games. Organizers emphasize the festival's role in promoting physical activity among youth and providing a community atmosphere for fans. This regional hub serves as the primary celebration site for the duration of the games.

The Czech koruna is strengthening against the U.S. dollar and the euro, potentially lowering costs for summer travelers. Analysts predict the dollar could drop below CZK 20 and the euro below CZK 24 due to U.S. political uncertainty and expected interest rate cuts by the Fed and ECB. A faster-growing Czech economy is also supporting the currency, making international flights and foreign services more affordable for residents.

The State Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) reported failures in approximately one-third of its recent inspections at KFC outlets across the Czech Republic. The checks identified issues related to hygiene standards and food handling processes. While some violations were minor, the frequency of findings prompted the authority to demand immediate corrective measures. SZPI continues to monitor fast-food chains to ensure compliance with national safety regulations.

Meteorologists from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) have warned that Saharan dust will reach the country, potentially tinting snowfall and rain. The phenomenon is expected to leave visible deposits on cars and windows as it washes out of the atmosphere. While not harmful, the dust can reduce visibility and impact air quality. Residents should expect a "yellowish" hue to the winter landscape over the coming days.