Early Bird: Industrial production has risen slightly. Another wave of infection in Italy. The dispute with George Floyd's family to be settled

Czech industrial production is rising slightly

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The Czech Statistical Office has published information on how the industry is doing compared to the year before the pandemic. Their research shows that in January 2021, there was a 0.4% decrease in Czech industry month-on-month, but it increased by 0.9% year-on-year.

"Despite all the obstacles, the industry as a whole is still holding on. In January, as well as at the end of last year, industrial production grew slightly. We can consider this a good result, since we are comparing the numbers with January 2020, when the economy in the Czech Republic was still operating in a normal regime,”

says Radek Matějka, Director of the Department of Statistics on Agriculture and Forestry, Industry, Construction and Energy. The production of metal structures and metal products, chemical substances and products and electrical equipment all contributed to the increase in production. On the other hand, a decline was recorded in the production of beverages and in the food industry. The construction industry hasn't seen any significant changes.

Prodej bytu 3+kk, Praha Žižkov - 94, Praha 3

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Prague has a new AntiCovid Team that oversees the safety

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The main mission of the special AntiCovid Team is to ensure the safety of visitors to the Prague Embankment. It will make the City Police officers' job easier. The main task of the AntiCovid Team is to alert people of the fact that they have to cover their nose, mouth and keep a safe distance.

“The Prague embankments have been, are and will continue to be a place with a relaxed atmosphere designed for relaxation and sports. At present, however, the safety of visitors comes first. That's why we decided to use professional help before the weekend starts to ensure that the embankments can serve their purpose even under the current government anti-epidemic measures,"

explains Jan Chabr, Councilor of the Capital City of Prague. If you go to the embankment this weekend, you may come across the four-member team from CrowdSafety, a company that has long specialized in ensuring the safety of mass events. At the same time, it is a long-term partner of the Prague City Hall.

Italy's shops and restaurants to be closed again

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Streets in Italian cities will once again become empty. Italy is facing another wave of COVID-19. The number of infected and hospitalized people in Italy has been increasing so fast that the government has decided to close restaurants, schools, shops and museums.

"More than a year after the start of the health emergency, we are unfortunately facing a new wave of infections. The memory of what happened last spring is vivid, and we will do everything to prevent it from happening again,”

said Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Friday. In more than half of the country, including the two most populous regions - Rome and Milan - residents will have to stay at home. Exceptions will apply to travel to work, visits to the doctor's office or shopping trips. The restrictions will apply from Monday.

Minneapolis will pay $ 27 million to George Floyd's family

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The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted to settle the dispute brought by George Floyd's family. Floyd had died during an arrest last year. In July 2020, Floyd's family sued the city and blamed four police officers for his death. The city council has now voted to pay $ 27 million to settle the lawsuit. The recording, in which the handcuffed George Floyd suffocated under the knees of police officer Derek Chauvin, flew around the world last May and provoked a wave of massive protests.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez broke up

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American singer Jennifer Lopez and her fiancé, professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez, announced their breakup. The unexpected news came mere weeks after they had been seen together in the Dominican Republic, where the singer is shooting the upcoming film "Shotgun Wedding". The couple got engaged after a two-year relationship in 2019. However, the wedding was postponed twice due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rumours of their relationship problems began in February, when the word was that Rodriguez was in contact with American television star Madison LeCroy. However, Rodriguez denied the allegations. Before the breakup became public, Jennifer Lopez had posted on social media:

"Find a good reason to smile today... I send love to everyone."

If the wedding had taken place, it would have been Lopez's fourth and Rodriguez's second marriage.

That's all we have for you today. We hope you enjoy your Saturday, as one should, and don't forget to do the things that make you happy.