Čerkez: We are a month ahead of other countries in measures

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Goran Čerkez, Assistant Minister for Public Health in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out at today's regular press conference that the health system is functioning and that by 5 p.m., 359 people had been tested, of which so far 39 are positive in the Federation.

“We are monitoring all measures. In that context, we are ready to tighten measures if necessary. We are in constant coordination. There are enough tests. At this moment, we can be satisfied with the situation.

We appeal to citizens to adhere to isolation. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon propose stricter punishment measures,” said Čerkez.

Answering questions from Patria journalists about isolation facilities and who determines where they will be located and who will manage them, he said:

“When we talk about isolation, we must know that an isolation facility does not have to be a healthcare institution. Based on assessments and analyses that have been made, proposals for isolation facilities are given. I have pointed out several times that we are moving forward and up to a month ahead of other countries. We are preparing for different scenarios, including the worst ones. We are not waiting until the last moment; it is better for everything to be ready,” said Čerkez.

He also noted that they had a video conference this morning with Goražde, where there is a woman infected with coronavirus (linked to the Konjic cluster), and that she was placed in the hospital because she is also a chronic patient.

“This morning we spoke with colleagues and gave proposals. We already have an isolation facility at another location in Goražde. An isolation facility can be set up very quickly,” said Čerkez.

He said that we have 1,500 tests, that another 1,500 are arriving on Wednesday, and that 20,000 tests have been ordered.