IMPORTANT Recommendations and phone numbers for coronavirus information

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - In light of the new epidemiological situation related to the Corona virus in the European region, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Crisis Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Cantonal Ministry of Health, measures of enhanced epidemiological surveillance are being implemented at border crossings, as well as within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of early detection of potential COVID-19 cases, so that through control of persons with whom they have been in contact, measures can be taken to further prevent the spread of the virus, the relevant ministries of health in the FBiH announced.

This includes „entry screening“ for passengers arriving from the territory of China, in the sense that passengers fill out a health questionnaire, and data on entries are submitted to the competent health institutions, while passengers are given recommendations and a phone number to contact in case of symptoms of the disease.

Foreign and BiH citizens with permanent or temporary residence in the Federation of BiH, who are returning from the territory of China, are, in cooperation with the competent inspection authorities, placed under health surveillance (mandatory daily reporting to the competent epidemiological service and self-isolation at home for a period of 14 days).

By the decision of the Crisis Headquarters of 24.02.2020, the same measures at the border, as well as within the FBiH, apply to passengers from the territory of Italy, South Korea and Iran.

In order to achieve an effective response to the epidemic caused by the new Corona virus, persons who have stayed or are arriving from the aforementioned countries in the previous 14 days, or who have been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 infection in the 14 days before the onset of symptoms, should contact the on-duty Hygiene and Epidemiological Service of the Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton at the following phone numbers: +387 62 086 282 +387 62 030 778 +387 62 030 796 +387 62 030 728.

Health Center Zenica/ZDK: 032 246-910

Crisis Headquarters TK: 062 828 398

Health Center Mostar/HNK: 036 551 478, 061 713 741, 061 327 281

Institute for Public Health USK: 037 351 799

Crisis Headquarters RS: 051 491 600

RECOMMENDATIONS

Avoid large gatherings of people indoors, but also outdoors, to prevent droplet transmission of infection;

Avoid close contact with persons whose health status is unknown (hugging, kissing, handshaking);

Avoid close contact with persons who have an acute respiratory infection, and if necessary, use a surgical mask and gloves;

Wash hands frequently with warm water and liquid soap, in the absence of which use an alcohol-based disinfectant;

Consume adequately thermally processed food, especially meat;

Increase environmental hygiene measures (cleaning, disinfection, ventilation); 

Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with persons whose health status is unknown;

Avoid sharing equipment for injecting drugs or other substances;

Strengthen immunity through adequate nutrition and lifestyle;

Regularly use therapy prescribed by a doctor;

Elderly persons, persons with chronic diseases, and persons with weakened immune systems are recommended to limit their movement in the coming period, if possible;

If not necessary, postpone travel to areas where cases of infection with the new Corona virus have been registered;

Persons who must travel should inform themselves about the situation at their destination before traveling and adhere to all prevention measures during the trip;

Persons with an acute respiratory infection should use disposable paper tissues when coughing and sneezing;

Persons with an acute respiratory infection who have traveled from areas where cases have been registered should contact a doctor (preferably announce their arrival by phone) and inform the doctor about their travel.