48 people infected in FBiH, control of hotlines citizens complain about to begin

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – After the session of the Federal Crisis Staff, Prime Minister Fadil Novalić addressed the media. He confirmed that four airports will be closed on March 30, except for cargo transport or delivery of medical supplies.

Novalić also confirmed that the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs will publicly publish the data of individuals who do not comply with self-isolation.

Novalić also announced that financial assistance will be provided through the FBiH Ministry of Education to BiH students who are stranded abroad and without money.

The Prime Minister of FBiH praised the work of the KS Government regarding the coronavirus, specifically the allocation of 8 million KM for medical equipment and the announced salary reduction, as well as the activities of the Tuzla and Zenica-Doboj Cantons.

When asked if the purchase of certain items would be restricted, Novalić said that there is no need for that at the moment.

“If there is a shortage, we will react from the commodity reserves. If that does not help, then restrictions will follow. The commodity reserves are completely full,” said Novalić.

Speaking about the situation with loan repayments, Novalić said that it has been clearly agreed with the banks that all citizens will be allowed a minimum of three months to not pay loan installments, while there will be certain conditions for businesses.

Goran Čerkez from the Federal Ministry of Health said that out of 411 tested, 48 tests are positive. A larger number of tests will be conducted tonight in Mostar, Sarajevo, and Tuzla.

“In Bihać, one out of five samples is positive, and we are currently examining the person’s connections and contacts. Today’s data about a death related to the migrant center did not involve a person positive for coronavirus. Epidemiologically, it is influenza. Two positive individuals from Široki Brijeg are all linked to the first case imported from abroad,” said Čerkez.

He advised the population to focus on other things during this time, as mental health issues are arising.

“We will have restrictions for a long time to come, and I recommend that you relax,” said Čerkez.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health insists on reducing border crossings.

“We propose that there be three for both passengers and goods. That a ban on movement outside the place of residence be implemented, and that those who violate isolation be accommodated somewhere. The measures so far are certainly yielding results. The next 15 days will be very important for us to adhere to the measures. I call on the population to adhere to the measures, and for those who do not, I call on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to punish them,” said Čerkez.

He announced that the control of hotlines in clinics and epidemiological services will also begin, in accordance with complaints from citizens who are reporting them.

“We know that we are few, but it is very important that every citizen’s call is answered,” he said.

Čerkez, when asked again about the number of tests being conducted, said that testing in FBiH is carried out according to the recommendations of epidemiologists, and that this has been recognized by the World Health Organization.

Fahrudin Solak, director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, said that the Federal Civil Protection Staff has issued two orders: one prohibiting the operation of private dental practices and dental laboratories, and a ban on visits to migrant centers, as well as leaving the centers.

"An order prohibiting movement between cantons has not yet been issued, but even if it is, there will be some exceptions," said Solak.