Smog alert in Moravia

The Hydro-meteorological Institute has called a smog alert in Moravia, the eastern part of the Czech Republic where air pollution is a chronic problem in the winter months. Dust particles in the air on Thursday exceeded permitted levels at all monitoring stations in the region. The air pollution is reported to be worst in Trinec, Frydek-Mistek and Karvina. The local authorities have asked drivers to restrict their movement in cities to a minimum and use public transport wherever possible. The fact that many people in the region use coal heating is further complicating the situation. Children and elderly people as well as chronically ill patients have been advised to stay indoors.