Čerkez: Visits to nursing homes allowed, children do not have to wear masks in class

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Goran Čerkez, Assistant Minister of Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Public Health, said at today's press conference after a session of the Crisis Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health that two new measures have been adopted.

“We have decided to allow visits to nursing homes. This is an important matter. We have protected them until now because we thought the situation was critical and that this category needed to be protected. Nursing homes will make a visitation plan and enable people staying there to receive visits, which is important for their mental health and for families to meet, see each other, and talk,” said Čerkez.

He added that a decision has been made that cantons can adopt more restrictive measures, but cannot adopt different measures.

“That is important. We must have harmonization because in this situation we all depend on each other. The situation from one canton can be transmitted to another,” said Čerkez.

Regarding the return of fans to stadiums, Čerkez said that in the next 15 days they should hold talks with the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, colleagues from the Republika Srpska, and if the epidemiological situation is favorable, to consider that measure.

“The risks are still high. The numbers have somewhat misled us, and we see that people are still not respecting the measures,” he said.

Čerkez also spoke about the obligation to wear masks for children aged 6 to 10.

“In the general orders of the Crisis Headquarters, the exception is children under 6 years of age. These general orders have been in effect since November. They apply to the population that goes outside. For schools, it is very clearly written that the recommendations of the competent Institute are followed. Children aged 6 to 10 must wear masks outside the classroom, but do not have to during class,” said Čerkez.