Mess with the virus and find out.

[a322x1n]

<https://www.newsweek.com/singer-hana-horka-dies-covid-after-catching-pur
pose-avoid-vaccine-1670675>

<https://tinyurl.com/28e66jba>

Singer Hana Horká Dies of COVID After Catching It on Purpose To Avoid
Vaccine. BY ARISTOS GEORGIOU ON 1/19/22 AT 6:39 AM EST.

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.