Singer Hana Horká Dies of COVID After Catching It on Purpose To Avoid Vaccine
A woman from the Czech Republic who was opposed to COVID-19 vaccinations has died after deliberately contracting the disease, according to her family.
Hana Horká, who was the vocalist for the long-running folk band Asonance, passed away on Sunday at the age of 57, AFP reported, citing her son Jan Rek.
Rek told Czech public radio iRozhlas.cz that his mother had voluntarily exposed herself to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, in order to obtain a health pass that would have allowed her to visit the sauna and theater.
In the Czech Republic, proof of vaccination or a recent infection is required in order to access cultural and sports facilities, as well as bars and restaurants, and for travel.
Rek and his father—the singer's husband—contracted COVID-19 over the Christmas period. The pair had previously been vaccinated. But instead of staying away, Horká deliberately kept in close contact with them, Rek told iRozhlas.cz.
"She went for it. She was supposed to stay away from us, but she decided to remain at home with us normally, preferring to go through the disease than to get vaccinated," Rek said.
On Friday, Horká wrote in a social media post that she had intentionally contracted the disease and claimed that she was recovering.
"I survived... It was intense," she said in the post. "So now there will be the theater, sauna, a concert... and an urgent trip to the sea. Life is here for me and for you too."
Several of her followers appeared to support her actions, with some expressing hope that they too would become infected with SARS-CoV-2. But just two days later, Horká died due to COVID-related complications.
Following his mother's death, Rek slammed the Czech anti-vax movement on social media, blaming them for the loss and claiming they had "blood on their hands." His mother often shared the claims of Czech anti-vaxxers on her platforms.
"I know exactly who influenced her... It makes me sad that she believed strangers more than her proper family," Rek said. "It wasn't just total disinformation but also views on natural immunity and antibodies acquired through infection."
Rek said he and his father had made several efforts to convince Horká to get vaccinated but the pair were unsuccessful, Radio Prague International reported.
The son said he hoped sharing the story of his mother's death could convince at least some people who are wary about vaccination to get their shots.
