Višković: All educational institutions in RS to be closed for 21 days, kindergartens to remain open

BANJA LUKA, (Patria) - The Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska, Radovan Višković, said after a meeting of officials regarding the epidemiological situation in RS that all primary and secondary schools will be closed for a period of 21 days, from March 11 to March 30. The decision also applies to higher education institutions and private faculties.

"All public gatherings are prohibited until March 30. We will address the Council of Ministers and the BiH Border Guard to tighten control over entry from countries affected by the coronavirus. Health institutions are also obliged to draw up a work plan under extraordinary circumstances and to prepare all capacities to potentially accommodate new cases. We are moving towards solving this problem. We have been tasked to establish contact with the World Health Organization to receive assistance. The recommendation is not to close kindergartens at this moment, but to increase control in these institutions. If even one case appears among the youngest, then we will proceed with closing them.

Višković emphasized that there are four confirmed cases in RS, but there is no reason for panic.

"Through irresponsible behavior of citizens, the coronavirus can spread. We are trying to suppress its spread."

It is recommended that children stay at home and in apartments during the suspension of classes.