Čerkez: We do not expect restrictions, but two cantons are worrying

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there have been 208 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, with cases reported from all cantons. 

The Crisis Staff of the Federal Ministry of Health held a meeting today, where it was stated that the situation in the West Herzegovina and Herzegovina-Neretva cantons is extremely difficult, and that the competent institutions have not supervised the prescribed measures. Therefore, the Crisis Staff will send a Proposal for the declaration of a state of natural disaster in the Federation of BiH to the Federal Civil Protection Administration.

Goran Čerkez, Assistant Federal Minister of Health for Public Health, stated that health capacities in the West Herzegovina Canton are being expanded to accommodate the increased number of COVID-19 patients, which has caused additional concern.

He pointed out that the reasons for the increased number of infections are the return from annual holidays, but largely the non-compliance with the prescribed measures of the Crisis Staff.

"Although increased supervision was agreed upon with cantonal institutions that are supposed to carry out supervision, they did not do so to the extent they should have, and we have this situation. The Crisis Staff will send a proposal to the Federal Civil Protection Administration to declare a state of natural disaster again. We do not expect any increase in restrictive measures. We need the help and support of bodies that have not worked enough on supervising the recommendations, even though it was their obligation. We hope that the FUCZ will forward this proposal to the Government and that this state will be introduced," said Čerkez.

Čerkez emphasized that the epidemic is expected to last for another year. 

"The situation is very difficult in some cantons. Colder weather is coming, people will spend more time indoors, and immunity will be weaker. Therefore, a higher number of coronavirus infections should be expected. In the coming period, which will be long, it is important that we arm ourselves with patience, let's not expect the crisis to pass in less than a year. We need to be patient and responsible and adhere to just four measures: distance, mask, personal hygiene, and do not be your own doctor; if you have respiratory symptoms, stay home and call a doctor, do not go to work," said Čerkez, adding that the health sector can respond to the crisis. 

Sanjin Musa, head of the Epidemiology Service at the FBiH Institute of Public Health, said that people are not aware of the seriousness of the situation we are in.

"Ignoring the problem will not solve it; we expect everyone to actively participate in infection control," said Musa.