Pilav on SIPA cluster: Two confirmed cases and 14 self-isolation orders in Sarajevo Canton

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Aida Pilav, president of the Crisis Staff of Sarajevo Canton, said that on 16 April 2020, 186 people were tested, with four laboratory-confirmed cases.

At the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo in Podhrastovi, 18 patients are hospitalised, and two patients are on ventilators.

"60 citizens are in home isolation, which is a protective measure for households where confirmed cases of infection have been found," Pilav said.

In Sarajevo Canton, 1,878 citizens have been tested, 99 of whom are positive, including seven retested, and 10 fully recovered.

In response to Patria's question about the SIPA cluster, Pilav clarified that among SIPA members residing in Sarajevo Canton, two positive cases were identified.

"The first was confirmed on 14 April, and for that case, 12 self-isolation orders were issued. The second case was confirmed this morning, 17 April, and the investigation is still ongoing; so far, two self-isolation orders have been issued. Epidemiological investigations are being fully conducted, self-isolation orders are being issued, and all necessary health surveillance information is being monitored," Pilav said.

Regarding passengers who arrived from Sweden, 63 of whom were placed in quarantine at the Bjelave Student Dormitory, Pilav said that quarantine, according to recommendations, can last 14 days.

"The Federal Minister of Health issues group orders, and those orders contain the names of all individuals; such orders are available, and no separate order is issued. We asked the WHO whether, in the case of COVID, quarantine could be shortened to 14 days, and we received that confirmation. Entry testing is done, and after 14 days, if no symptoms have appeared, quarantine can be shortened to 14 days," Pilav said.