HNK: Three patients on ventilators in life-threatening condition, Jablanica is a hotspot

(Patria) - "Currently, 20 samples are being processed, and a larger number is expected in the second shift. We have had a stationary situation for two days in Konjic. A new hotspot is emerging in Jablanica, two cases, it is a family outbreak," said Dr. Jurica Arapović from SKB Mostar today about the situation in HNK regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Specialist in infectious diseases and member of the Cantonal Civil Protection Headquarters of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Jurica Arapović, said that according to the current situation, Čitluk is the focus of epidemiological measures.

"In Čitluk, the numbers are increasing day by day, and it is currently the focus of epidemiological measures; all measures are being taken. So far, we have analyzed over 100 contacts. It is expected that as a larger number of new Covid-19 cases arrive, the epidemiological coverage will be greater, along with more contacts."

"So far, 1,194 supervision orders have been issued, including 55 as of yesterday. Every day there are more such orders. Currently, three patients are in life-threatening condition and are on ventilators. We have one patient who was on a ventilator until now, but is now on supportive oxygen therapy, not fully on the machine. We hope he will continue in that direction and be fine. We are making maximum efforts," explained Arapović.

He said that Čitluk is now in focus and asked citizens:

"I recommend that citizens in Čitluk put themselves in self-isolation."

"Where an infected person was identified after the first patient, we had 11 contacts and they are negative. The doctor who was in contact with the first patient and some family contacts is positive and is in home isolation. We have another doctor who is positive and was in contact with the first patient in Široki Brijeg, currently in isolation," he explained in response to journalists' questions.

He added that one of the infected is also a doctor from Konjic.