Council of Ministers of BiH declares state of emergency for all of BiH, Armed Forces to establish quarantine facilities at borders

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Following an extraordinary session of the Presidency of BiH attended by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH and entity prime ministers, as well as other relevant institutional representatives, some of the conclusions were presented to the public by BiH Presidency members Milorad Dodik and Šefik Džaferović. It was emphasized that the Council of Ministers of BiH will declare a state of natural disaster throughout BiH on Tuesday.

Dodik stated that BiH will appeal to international friends for help. Dodik said that quarantine will be introduced at BiH's borders for all BiH citizens.

"There are those who are already being deported from Germany, Austria. Their healthcare system does not have the capacity to treat them. Our people who went there do not have health insurance, and the ministries of health are instructing that quarantine settlements be established at border crossings to be determined, and that those arriving must spend 14 days there, as is the determined incubation period. We must act responsibly. It is good that the entity authorities are cooperating," said Dodik.

Dodik also spoke about the assessment of economic losses.

"What we have now will lead to a decline in the economy, import-export, transport, and tourism. We have banned the arrival of foreigners, and as things stand, we will reach the stage of banning all foreigners. We will face serious problems. It is necessary to maintain a stable budget system. The stability of banks is ensured. We must be sure that budget beneficiaries can be paid salaries and pensions until the end of the year, regardless of how much public administration will work. There will be no salary reductions, and there must not be any," said Dodik.

He stated that a special arrangement will be made with banks for businesses, as well as for citizens who have loans.

"The Central Bank could help with this, and we will see how it will be done. What the authorities are doing seems good, but we must prepare for the worst-case scenario, that it will be massive. I ask citizens to be responsible and for all of us to get through this difficult time together. We must not neglect to adopt adequate measures," said Dodik.

Šefik Džaferović explained that the Presidency of BiH supported the decisions of the Council of Ministers of BiH.

"Regarding quarantine facilities, they apply to BiH citizens entering BiH. All details of this matter should be regulated by the Council of Ministers, which is making this decision. This is necessary."

Džaferović asked BiH citizens not to come to BiH during this period if they can avoid it.

"Details for establishing quarantine facilities should be regulated by the Council of Ministers of BiH. We will approve the use of the BiH Armed Forces and their equipment to establish these quarantine facilities, and they will be solely responsible for that. The stay, behavior, and organization will be managed by the competent authorities."

He pointed out that it is not possible to provide answers to all questions at this moment, given that the situation is changing.

"Answers to questions will need to be provided daily. It is not by chance that a state of natural disaster will be declared tomorrow. That fact alone indicates that the situation must be monitored."

Džaferović stated that the goal is to prevent the spread of the pandemic while imposing as few restrictions as possible on citizens.