Measures tightened in FBiH, avoid public transport and crowds, wear masks

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - After the session of the Federal Crisis štab of the Ministry of Health, a press conference was held where it was announced that measures in the Federation of BiH are being tightened.

As stated by Goran Čerkez, a member of the Crisis štab of the Federal Ministry of Health and Assistant Minister for Public Health, it was decided that indoor spaces can now accommodate 30 people, meaning a reduction of 20 persons. 

"If facilities decide to operate under the VTP principle (vaccinated/tested/recovered), they can have 60 people indoors. Outdoors, 100 people are allowed, and with VTP certificates up to 200 people. All larger gatherings are not permitted; cantonal headquarters can only adopt more restrictive measures, not milder ones," said Čerkez.

The reason for the more restrictive measures is the serious situation due to the increased number of coronavirus infections.

"At this moment, cinemas, congresses, theatres, and conferences remain at 100 people. A risk assessment was conducted, and considering the quiet atmosphere, we left that segment of society to continue functioning fully. We made certain adjustments to the validity of VTP certificates. If you have recovered from COVID-19, your certificate is now valid for four months, instead of the previous six months. Antigen tests are valid for 24 hours, previously 48 hours. PCR tests have been reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours. If you have received at least two doses of the vaccine, your certificate is valid for six months, and if you have received three doses, it is valid for nine months," announced Čerkez.

He emphasized that the only protection at this time against the Omicron variant of the virus is three doses of the vaccine, three months after receiving the last dose.

"In three weeks, there has been a large increase in infections, from 2,200 people to 7,200 infected. Further growth is expected. We appeal to everyone to adhere to the measures and recommend avoiding public transport, trying to avoid all crowds and unnecessary gatherings as much as possible. We appeal to the entire population, this is not an order but a recommendation, to wear masks even outdoors to break or slow down this rapid increase," stated Čerkez.

He added that the spread of the Omicron variant is much faster than earlier variants. In FBiH, 40 percent of the population is immunized, although it is assumed that the number is even higher. 

"That number of vaccinated people is small, and we would like everyone to go to health centers and receive the third dose. This virus is very difficult to avoid, and we appeal for responsibility towards the third generation as well," said Čerkez. 

He added that inspections will visit testing sites and laboratories that have permits for testing. He also pointed out that mortality has increased, but this cannot yet be linked to the Omicron variant. Mortality is higher in the RS than in FBiH. 

The Director of the Institute for Public Health of the Federation of BiH, Siniša Skočibušić, said that the fourth wave of the pandemic is a great social and individual burden.

"Over 150 infected per 100,000 inhabitants is already a serious situation. The Federation of BiH currently has 328 infected per 100,000 inhabitants. This is a new flare-up caused by Omicron. Compared to last week, the number of newly confirmed cases has increased by 98 percent. The number of patients on ventilators in the same period increased by 37 percent, and the number of deaths by 29 percent," stated Skočibušić.