Šeranić: Situation Unfavorable but Stable

(Patria) - Minister of Health and Social Protection of Republika Srpska Alen Šeranić assessed that the situation regarding the coronavirus is stabilizing, but remains unfavorable.

Šeranić believes that, generally speaking, the epidemiological situation is not favorable, given that the number of infected individuals has not dropped below 50 per day, which is necessary according to World Health Organization estimates.

The minister warned that the rise in cases in certain municipalities is due to private parties, whether weddings or other events.

He said the epidemic will persist, and that the phase of community transmission of the virus is ongoing, which is the fourth phase according to the risk assessment for the coronavirus in RS conducted back in February by the Institute of Public Health of RS.

Šeranić highlighted the great sacrifice of healthcare workers who are making enormous efforts to help patients receive adequate care, and noted that citizens should also help them by behaving responsibly to preserve their own health and that of their loved ones.

Speaking about the upcoming flu season, Šeranić said it will only be known next year whether it is possible for someone to be simultaneously infected with the flu and coronavirus, but for now it is known that the mode of transmission of both viruses is almost identical, and the preventive measures recommended are nearly the same.

Regarding the seasonal flu vaccine, Šeranić stated that, in line with requests from health centers, more of these vaccines have been ordered, to which the Government and the Compensation Fund have given consent and provided additional funds, along with 15,000 doses financed by the Health Insurance Fund of RS for vulnerable population categories.

On the coronavirus vaccine, Minister Šeranić says it would be most adequate if 40 percent of the population could be vaccinated, but the WHO has issued a recommendation that at least 20 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated.

Šeranić noted that the Institute of Public Health of RS has made a vaccination plan against the coronavirus, taking into account the WHO recommendation that 200,000 residents in RS should be vaccinated.

- When the vaccination plan was made, it was taken into account that the vaccine should first cover those who are at risk due to various chronic diseases, then persons over 65 years of age and healthcare workers, as well as other categories performing various functions within our social life - explained Šeranić.

He reminded that at the session of the Government of RS, information regarding the "COVAX" agreement was adopted, under which BiH joins the queue for vaccine procurement through a global mechanism involving about 170 countries, and another way to obtain the vaccine is the one initiated by the Government through the RS Representative Office in Russia, but any vaccine that arrives must be safe, quality, and effective.

Speaking about the new school year and measures against the spread of the coronavirus, Šeranić said the Institute provides measures to minimize the risk of infection, and that after the first month, an analysis will be conducted both from the aspect of teaching organization and from the epidemiological aspect.

- Research has shown that school was not a source of infection for children who most often came infected to class. The same applies to teachers. Additionally, we made a decision to test certain classes to confirm these facts, and that will be an argument that will determine how and in what way the school should function - said Šeranić, as reported by RTRS.