Federation significantly tightens penalties for those violating isolation measures

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The first day of the movement ban in the Federation of BiH passed very peacefully, stated the Prime Minister of the FBiH Fadil Novalić, after today's session of the Federal Civil Protection Headquarters.

"At this moment, we are harmonizing a decree for those who do not comply with the orders of the competent authorities, especially those who have isolation orders and do not comply with them. For your information, only three citizens violated the movement ban last night, but all the time, about 60 to 61 citizens who are in isolation do not respect that same isolation. That is why we have decided to adopt a decree that significantly tightens penalties for such persons, at the latest by tomorrow, and perhaps tonight," said Novalić.

He also said that work is being urgently done on the rebalancing of the budget of the Federation of BiH, which will be focused on the fight against coronavirus.

A relatively large number of people are "paralyzed" after the party at "Igman" in Konjic, said Prime Minister Novalić, emphasizing that it concerns three companies - in Konjic, Goražde, and Novi Travnik, stating that these are precautionary measures.

Answering the question of why he is not wearing a mask and gloves, as he should be an example to citizens, Novalić said that there are strict protocols in the Government regarding the wearing of protective equipment, stating that during addresses, "no one in Europe wears masks and gloves, as it would hinder communication."

When it comes to the Prime Minister's presence at the "Igman" celebration in Konjic, where several people were infected with coronavirus, Novalić explained that he did not "attend the event when the corona spread."

"We were at an academy, it was limited in scope, and I came, gave a lecture, and immediately returned. So, in essence, I did not attend that event when the virus spread, and that person in question was not at the academy or not at the largest part of it," said Novalić.

He emphasized that he was tested due to public pressure, in case he might be positive, "more to remove those doubts, I have not been tested since then."

He once again reminded that a change in VAT is not realistic due to the coronavirus, but it is realistic to postpone the deadline for VAT payment. He also said that the aid from Turkey, announced by Bakir Izetbegović and Milorad Dodik, had already arrived today.