Tourist in BiH tested positive for new coronavirus strain

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Professor Teufik Goletić of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of UNSA stated at today's press conference that out of 23 samples in the sequencing project, one sample was confirmed as the new British strain B117. 

"We have confirmed the circulation of the new British strain. Fortunately, this strain does not yet have the newer mutation that unfortunately also causes a weaker effect of the vaccines," said Goletić, adding that sequencing is a good tool to see what kind of virus it is. 

Sanjin Musa, Head of the Epidemiology Service at the Public Health Institute of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that the new strain was recorded in a foreign tourist who was in BiH at the end of December. 

"It is not unexpected that a new strain has appeared. The British strain of coronavirus B117 has appeared in 75 countries, the South African strain in 35 countries. It is important for us to establish a sequencing program. 
B117 has a minimal effect on the vaccine and there is no reason for concern," said Musa. 

He stated that the highest seven-day incidence was recorded in KS at 159. Of the total number of deaths, 80% are people over 60 years old, and males account for 60 percent. 

"We are talking about a more stable epidemiological week. Although the number of infections is decreasing, it is still high and it is very important to adhere to the measures," said Musa. 

Goran Čerkez, Assistant Minister for Public Health, said that the Ministry of Civil Affairs is the one that needs to procure vaccines.

"The last meeting of the prime ministers went in that direction, we have also fulfilled our obligation to pay the Covax mechanism. Our obligation is to wait for the vaccines. It was planned that 24,000 Pfizer vaccines would arrive. We have made preparations at the entity level and we hope that the negotiations conducted by MCP will be successful and that we will be able to buy vaccines directly. FBiH has allocated 12 million KM for this purpose."  

Čerkez said that it is estimated that 30 percent of the population has already had coronavirus. 

When asked about the commercial procurement of vaccines, Čerkez said that although he is not involved in that process, he believes it is not a good practice because it will create inequality among cantons.

"The state should negotiate for the price and for everything. We also want to be vaccinated, and we have families. We are on the same wavelength as the population, but we do not decide," said Čerkez. 

He said that after Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca should arrive in BiH.