The state, entity, and cantonal authorities will meet on Wednesday following the spread of the novel coronavirus in the nearby countries, prime minister of Bosnia's Federation entity, Fadil Novalic told media on Tuesday.

The problem has to be solved now that it has come near Bosnia, he said.

Croatian healthcare authorities confirmed on Tuesday the first case of coronavirus infection in the country. The patient was isolated in a hospital and competent authorities are prepared to take necessary measures to prevent the virus spread, Croatian PM Anrej Plenkovic told reporters.

A day earlier, Europe saw the biggest outbreak of the virus after Italian authorities reported over 200 infection cases and seven deaths in a few days only.

“We're maintaining good communication with Italy, we have their pilgrims coming here, many of our citizens work in Italy and the peril is reaching the global level. We must join together and start solving this, not only at cantonal level but all of us,” said the prime minister, announcing the Wednesday meeting.

No cases of the coronavirus infection have been reported in Bosnia so far.