In Luhačovice local districts they manage even in times of emergency

Alena Studená, chair of the local settlement committee, described how things are now in the local part of Polichno.

"We are all fine here, we are holding our own. People are disciplined, nobody has a problem wearing veils," Studená described. As Mayor Ležák pointed out to her, she herself has been the lion's share of the effort to ensure there are enough drapes in the village. However, Mrs Studená is modest and does not want to talk about it too much, but she will eventually reveal how many pieces she has already made. "I stopped counting after 400 drapes, now there may be five hundred. But others are sewing them as well, people are taking care of relatives and friends, many people have brought me rubber bands and the like to sew the drapes," Studená said. The drapes she made covered the needs of those who had not secured protective equipment, and she was able to make additional pieces available in many other places. "Some went to shops in Luhačovice, and I also added the drapes to a box outside the Elektra House of Culture, where anyone from the public can take them," Studená added. As she said, she also gradually improved her sewing skills. "In the beginning, I got white sheets from the city as material, which they had from hotels, and sewed the ruffled drapes. Now I'm also making the type with a pocket for a replaceable filter. Since you can buy fabrics again, I made some in darker fabric for the men so they wouldn't get so dirty at work, floral for the women, colorful for the kids. Now I want to send a few pieces to my grandson in England," said Studená. Unfortunately, she added, she has information from her family there and from other friends in America and Switzerland about how little protective equipment is used among ordinary people there. "It's great how people here know their stuff and can help themselves to manage the situation, sew the drapes themselves and help each other! We are a flexible nation," Cold noted. She announced the information about the drapes on local radio and those who did not have drapes, came in to get them or were given drapes, can still get in touch. Commenting on the situation in the village, she added that it makes people's lives much easier that a mobile grocery store comes to Polichno, always on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays.

It is in another local area, in Řetechov in Luhačovice, that people can rely on the local store that operates there. It is run by Kateřina Zichová and helps people not only by offering food, but also by providing blankets in cooperation with the town. "In the beginning, the firefighters distributed the drapes here, and then the mayor drove other sewing volunteers around and I gave them to people. Now he has brought me new pieces and I will have them on display at the store for anyone to take if they need them," Zichova noted. Even in Řetechov, she said, it is quiet and people are wearing the veils, although many of them, especially the elderly, are more at home. As they are advised, they only go out when necessary, for example to the shop. "It suits them that we have a shop here and they don't have to go to the bigger shops in town. People can also order their shopping from me with delivery at the front door and pay me by money transfer to my account. Many people like to take advantage of this, I can buy them the fruit and vegetables they want in bulk. People are now buying more than usual from me," added Zichová. People can visit her shop Monday to Friday from 7:00 - 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. It is also open on Saturdays, but only in the morning. Certainly a good supply also contributes to the well-being of the village, but the main thing is the attitude of the citizens. "People are friendly, respectful and there are no problems, everything is managed," says Zichová.

The atmosphere in Kladná Žilín is also peaceful. For example, Vendula Gergelová, the chairwoman of the local Girls in Action association, has started sewing the drapes there. "My mother and I are sewing for locals and friends, and I took some of the drapes to work because I am always commuting. Some other families sew too," Gergelová noted. She appreciated that people in the village follow the regulations and support each other. "You don't see anyone without a veil, and they go for walks in the countryside. People help each other, especially in families. You just see more kids out on weekdays as there is no school," Gergel added. But like everyone, of course, she is looking forward to when the threat of coronavirus is over and measures against the epidemic can be lifted. As the president of the local association, she wonders when that will be, even in light of the originally planned events, which are out of the question as things stand. "The firefighters are building a maypole in our area, and our association has an amateur theatre scheduled for June. So let's see if something can happen by then. But it's clear that health comes first, and eventually the event will have to be cancelled or rescheduled," Gergel concluded.

Categories: News from the city, Luhačovice, COVID-19, City of Luhačovice, Coronavirus, Drapes