Čerkez: Let's try to make this weekend without major consequences

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Goran Čerkez, Assistant Federal Minister of Public Health, said that in the last 24 hours, 1,030 samples were tested, of which 27 were positive for Covid 19. So far, 17,295 citizens have been tested, and there are 918 positive cases. 

"46 patients have been hospitalized in hospitals, 4 are on ventilators, and there have been 33 deaths. We are in the phase of May Day holidays and I would ask the public to adhere to the prescribed rules, to wear masks, maintain distance and to try to make this extended weekend without any major consequences, and we can only do that if we work together," said Čerkez.

He added that starting tomorrow, but due to the holidays, from next week, the relaxation of certain measures will begin, and this will contribute to the normalization of life, but it is important to remain committed to the measures so as not to change the situation through our carelessness. Most citizens have respected them so far, but there is always a part of the citizenry that needs to be reminded of this, said Čerkez.      

When asked by the media about testing, Čerkez said that BiH is a country that has never been without tests and that they have tested as much as necessary.

"We have been testing all along according to WHO recommendations. We are now in a phase of more massive testing and have gone to social institutions, shopping centers, healthcare workers, we have a very clear dynamic and program and rules for testing. If we compare ourselves to any country in the region, BiH has a completely adequate number of tests in relation to its population. Testing has yielded the expected results, and there will be certain tests when the measures are relaxed," said Čerkez. 

Čerkez said that they are all aware that they are also in an economic crisis, which leads to a decrease in the inflow of funds into health funds.

"The rights of citizens to healthcare will have to be made in accordance with the available funds. It is still time for analysis, and as soon as we get the data, we will provide more information. We will soon explain the situation regarding healthcare financing," said Čerkez.

He pointed out that it is still too early to talk about the long-term health consequences of the coronavirus.

"The images of the most severe patients are dramatic, and at this stage, we still cannot speak from a scientific perspective," concluded Čerkez.