Sarajevo issues 110 self-isolation orders for individuals linked to Igman Konjic case

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Mario Nenadić, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton, stated that the epidemic curve has not yet started to decline, and the pandemic is still spreading. 

"We cannot be relaxed at all. One of the key messages I want to send is that there is no room for relaxation, we must continue to work on preventing the spread of the virus and protecting our health. People are slowly starting to recognize the danger, and I ask you to persevere," said Nenadić.

He emphasized that the KS Government cannot go below the orders of the Federal Crisis Staff.

"We do not plan to extend the decision on organized transport for healthcare and police employees to cover other sectors with organized transport. There are many elderly people who need to be reached through municipal civil protection, volunteers, and assisted because they are unable to move around," said Nenadić.

He pointed out that it was a difficult task to accommodate migrants in reception centers and get them off the streets.

"Our centers are overcrowded, and we are working on increasing their capacity," said Nenadić. 

He stated that the primary task of the Government, the Crisis Staff, and competent institutions now is the procurement of medical and sanitary equipment.

"I cannot say whether it will be in three, five, or seven days, but we will secure everything that has been used up, and we are working on alternative supply lines. For what we cannot get quickly, we are increasing procurement. I want to assure citizens that things are under control. We officially have three infected persons in KS, and I think the goal is to keep it that way," said Nenadić. 

The Prime Minister of KS stated that the system is simple, and there are not many crisis staffs, even though it may seem so.

"Decisions are made at the federal level, and all cantons are obliged to adapt each of these orders, and cantonal staffs are doing so. They pass their decisions down to municipal staffs, a bit of an extraordinary scenario, so all staffs are activated in these crisis times," explained Nenadić. 

Nihada Glamoč, Commander of the KS Civil Protection Staff, stated that most questions concern the movement ban for those under 18 and over 65.

"We are updating the lists so that every fellow citizen can be reached at their address. Starting today, the delivery of protective equipment to institutions and workers will begin.

During the day, we will issue an order for disinfection to begin in all stairwells in KS. Our building managers and the Ministry of Spatial Planning will receive orders for this," said Glamoč.

Ismir Jusko, Minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of KS, stated that two matters are currently relevant.

"Compliance with self-isolation instructions. In the past 24 hours, out of 982 individuals checked, 90 did not comply with the isolation, meaning they were not at their address. I appeal to the federal level to pass a decree so we can act upon it. These individuals pose a direct threat to the health of citizens. The same individuals have been found not at their address multiple times and could be anywhere. We must introduce clear restrictions for those who do not comply with self-isolation," said Jusko.

He explained that regarding compliance with the curfew, he appeals to citizens to adhere to the ban. 

"Those who are found violating it a second time will be detained in the pre-trial detention unit. Let's not reach a situation where there are abuses of permits. When we notice someone abusing these passes, we will revoke the permits, regardless of who it concerns," said Jusko.

He emphasized that all restrictive measures are aimed at preventing a scenario like in Italy or Spain. 

Aida Pitić, epidemiologist at the KS Public Health Institute, stated that one person is enough to have 200 infected individuals in a few days. 

"As everyone is asking about the anniversary celebration of the Igman company from Konjic, we have issued 110 self-isolation orders to individuals who were in Konjic, as well as to their contacts. Every person who has a positive epidemiological record of having been in contact with an infected person has also been issued a self-isolation order," she said.

Gloves are not a substitute for clean hands, warned Pitić, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene. 

She asked citizens for patience and strict adherence to the rules, as it is the only way to protect themselves. 

"We will not be able to shake hands, hug, or kiss for a long time, but that is how it is," said Pitić.