Pehar: We received the news about antimalarials a few hours ago

(Patria) - Davor Pehar, director of the Public Health Institute of FBiH, spoke about the number of tested, infected, and the situation in the Federation regarding the coronavirus.

"According to data from the past 24 hours, 201 people were tested, and COVID-19 was confirmed in 29 people. So far, 1,056 people have been tested in FBiH, and it has been confirmed in 152 patients. There are 44 infected in HNK, ZHK 21, TK 29, KS 18, ZDK 20, USK 10, BPK 6, SBK 3, and Posavina Canton 1. We can conclude that we have essentially achieved one of the set goals regarding age statistics. In the Federation of BiH, 1,056 people have been tested. Of these, 55.3 percent are men, and 44.7 percent are women. 66.1 percent of the infected are between 24 and 64 years old, and more than 25.5 percent are over 65 years old. Also, 8.2 percent are between zero and 24 years old. Older people have not been massively infected. That is what we wanted to achieve. Unfortunately, we must state that three new deaths have been registered, bringing the total to eight," said Pehar.

He added that he appeals to citizens to stay in their homes and follow the instructions of the authorities.

"By violating the instructions of the crisis headquarters, you are endangering not only yourselves but also your loved ones," said Pehar.

Speaking about the involvement of private clinics in mass testing, Pehar said that such a decision has not yet been made.

"Regarding the involvement of private polyclinics, we will discuss that when and if necessary. Testing will not be paid for," said Pehar.

If a larger number of healthcare workers become infected in one institution, crisis plans have been developed to respond to such a challenge.

"The possibility of sending healthcare workers from one institution to another is not impossible," said Pehar.

The news about antimalarials being used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients was heard by the Headquarters a few hours ago, according to Pehar.

"Antimalarials are drugs used in the fight against malaria, but FBiH does not have many in stock. We will do everything to ensure our patients receive treatment and the highest quality healthcare," added Pehar, unable to specify exactly how many such drugs we have or whether we will procure them.

Regarding wearing masks, Pehar explained that a mask is not a guarantee or a sure protection against infection.

"A mask prevents the possibility of us being a source of infection. It also prevents us from making unintentional touches to our mouths," said Pehar.