Vranić: 358 new cases in 24 hours, only KCUS has available beds

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Minister of Health Haris Vranić said at today's press conference that the epidemiological situation is worsening. It is not yet alarming, but we must be vigilant.

“The capacities of the General Hospital are completely full, so KCUS will have to take over all other patients who report. There are 144 patients at KCUS, nine of whom are on ventilators,” said Vranić.

In the last five days, there has been an increase in infections, with 358 new infections in the past 24 hours.

“So far, 502 of our fellow citizens have died in KS. In BiH, almost 5,000 people have died. Our medical workers are exhausted, and they are getting sick, some have died. It is not just a question of hospital capacities, but also of supplying those capacities. We appeal again to the citizens to adhere to all epidemiological measures, as this is the only way to reduce infections,” said Vranić.

The undisputed hotspots are indoor spaces, catering facilities, and places of mass gatherings.

“The Public Health Institute does not have the capacity to locate these hotspots. But they are all indoor spaces where a larger number of people gather,” he added.

Regarding vaccines, Vranić said that KS has reserved 100,000 AstraZeneca vaccines and another 100,000 in reserve.

“We are waiting for the state level. I cannot tell you when that will be. We are still negotiating for Sputnik,” said Vranić, emphasizing that even a vaccine does not guarantee protection from coronavirus infection. He cited the example of Serbia, where about a million people have been vaccinated, and they are recording a large number of new infections.

The minister said they expect an increase in new cases, but the question is how hospital capacities will handle it.

Speaking about the opening of schools, the minister said that a return to classes for all elementary school grades is planned for March.

“All parameters show that children in schools are not a vector for the transmission of infection, we are considering the complete opening of schools for elementary students. We are still considering high schools because they also use public transport and can be carriers, so we will see,” said the minister.