Instead of encouraging citizens to spend time outdoors, restrictions are being introduced at ski resorts

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Initiative for Bjelasnica and Igman has reacted to the announcement of the introduction of restrictive measures at ski resorts in Sarajevo Canton.

"We are surprised by the media announcements about the introduction of restrictive measures at ski resorts in Sarajevo Canton, according to which staying in the open area of the ski resort will only be possible upon presentation of a certificate of vaccination, testing, or recovery from the Covid virus, the so-called VTP rule. We believe these are hasty claims and that there will be no ban on access to ski resorts for persons who cannot present this documentation. This is especially true since the same rule will not be used for cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, gyms, hookah bars, and all other enclosed spaces where citizens gather in larger numbers. It sounds paradoxical that a skier will have to present a test certificate to be outdoors, and then sit in a cafe on the slope without such a certificate.

Furthermore, we do not see how it would be possible to declare Bjelasnica a 'Covid-free zone' by requiring VTP at the entrance, as stated, when it is a large open space with multiple uncontrolled entrances.

We support the efforts of the Ministry of Health for a higher number of vaccinated persons and appeal to citizens to do so in as large numbers as possible in order to relieve the healthcare system. We also support the efforts of the public company ZOI84 to organize the operation of ski resorts in a way that avoids close contact among skiers. Properly organized queues with a distance of 1.5 m, as was the case last ski season, are the best confirmation that it is not necessary to introduce restrictive measures, but rather, on the contrary, it is desirable to encourage citizens to spend time outdoors and thereby strengthen their immunity.

We believe that such measures will not be introduced and that through disciplined behavior, we citizens-skiers together with the competent authorities will overcome the pandemic.