Jusko: Detentions will begin for those who do not comply with self-isolation measures

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Rusmir Mesihović, Minister of Health of KS, stated after today's extraordinary session of the KS Government that three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Sarajevo, and about 200 people are under observation.

"Certainly, these measures prescribed by the Federal Staff and the Cantonal Civil Protection, along with the Crisis Staff of the KS Ministry of Health, provide good guidelines. I appeal and ask the citizens of KS to respect these measures, hand washing, no gatherings, social distancing. We are working intensively these days and striving to make everything accessible to citizens. We will embark on a more serious endeavor in terms of equipping and procuring ventilators. We have started several concrete projects for determining the location of an isolation ward with ventilators, but I hope we will use it as little as possible," said Mesihović.

He announced that a private laboratory for coronavirus testing will also start operating tomorrow.

"There are enough tests, and a few thousand more tests will arrive this week. This is proceeding according to the instructions of epidemiologists," said Mesihović.

Nihada Glamoč, Minister of Communal Economy, stated that communal services are being provided without interruption.

"For consumers over 65 years of age, a decision has been made to postpone the payment of services until conditions allow. Until further notice, consumer centers will operate from 9 AM to 1 PM. Other decisions will be made during the day to set working hours until 4:30 PM for shops and pharmacies, and we will very soon issue permits for companies that need to work in the afternoon. Lists will be submitted to the CZ Staff, and we will forward them to the MUP KS," said Glamoč.

Ismir Jusko, Minister of Internal Affairs of KS, stated that in the past 24 hours, MUP KS officers did not find 60 individuals at their addresses who were ordered to self-isolate.

"Urgently tighten measures for those who do not comply with self-isolation. Within the next 24 hours, an amendment to punish non-compliance with issued self-isolation measures will be considered at the FBiH Government session. Once we receive that decision, these individuals will be detained, and we will see if they prefer to serve their isolation in custody or at home, and they will also be fined," said Jusko.

He stated that the FBiH Government needs to resolve the issue of expired vehicle registrations and technical inspections.

"Tonight from 6 PM, the curfew begins. We are making ourselves available to issue movement permits exclusively for those who genuinely need them. No one will play with the lives and health of our citizens," said Jusko.

Minister of Finance Jasmin Halebić stated that the goal is to increase funds for the procurement of medical supplies and assistance to entrepreneurs.

"We need a savings law, which will ensure budget stability. The savings law will reduce public spending. We will launch an initiative for debt repayment reprogramming, where funds could be redirected to these two funds. It is up to higher levels to seriously consider this initiative. The plan of the KS Employment Service is one of the sources that will join these two funds. The next step is to launch an initiative for higher-level authorities to approach other countries for donor funds. The savings law will regulate salaries in the public sector. The KS Fund for Medical and Sanitary Equipment will cooperate with the KS Health Insurance Fund," said Halebić.