Federal Crisis Staff: Recommendation not to hold public gatherings

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Considering the current epidemiological situation in the world and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and taking into account the fact that the situation is changing daily regarding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Crisis Staff of the Federal Ministry of Health has issued a new Order to the crisis staffs of cantonal ministries of health.

It states, among other things:

Cantonal crisis staffs are ordered to ban visits to hospitals, as well as to social welfare institutions that care for children, youth, and the elderly in the canton. It is recommended that public gatherings not be held in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and cantons. A public gathering is considered any organized gathering of citizens held in a suitable space in accordance with public gathering regulations.

Elderly persons are recommended to avoid unnecessary movement and the use of public transport. Also, elderly persons are recommended to skip routine check-ups and visits to family doctors and hospitals, unless they require urgent medical care. It is recommended to contact a doctor by phone first if a person of this age needs a prescription or medical advice.

Cantonal crisis staffs are ordered to suspend regular specialist-consultative examinations in healthcare institutions in the canton, and to conduct necessary specialist-consultative examinations based on the specialist's assessment.

The aforementioned measures, or recommendations, are issued to protect the health of the most vulnerable population in the community, which, according to available data so far, includes the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, and to avoid events that would lead to the rapid spread of infection, such as epidemics in healthcare facilities and large public events, especially those with international participation.

The Crisis Staff of the Federal Ministry of Health calls on all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to exercise maximum responsibility towards their own health and the health of others, and to adhere to all measures and recommendations issued by competent health institutions and organizations.

The most effective way to protect yourself and others is to adhere to the following:

- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (at least 20 seconds) or alcohol-based hand sanitizers,
- Keep a distance of at least one meter between you and other people, especially those who cough, sneeze, or have a fever,
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands,
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with the inner part of your elbow or a disposable tissue – after use, immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, and have been in China, Italy, South Korea, or Iran in the last 14 days, or have been in close contact with sick individuals who have returned from these areas in the last 14 days, contact your cantonal public health institute by phone for further instructions.

- We note that no confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been registered in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and competent health services are monitoring the situation and implementing enhanced epidemiological surveillance measures. Given that the situation is changing daily, the measures and recommendations will also change in accordance with the development of the situation. We call on the media to report responsibly on the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and to publish personal prevention measures whenever possible - stated the Federal Ministry of Health.