The measures introduced to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus must be harmonised across the country, the Bosniak member of the tripartite Presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic, told N1 on Tuesday, urging authorities to consult with medical experts before they decide what should be done.
Bosnia’s semi-autonomous regions introduced a set of coordinated measures at the state border to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, including placing all those who enter the country into quarantine for 14 days. The Armed Forces set up quarantine tents at a number of border crossings and authorities emptied student dormitories to keep the newcomers isolated in separate rooms.
Curfews had already been introduced in both of Bosnia’s semi-autonomous entities and a series of other measures, such as closing all non-essential businesses, schools and public transport.
However, the Civil Protection Headquarters in the Federation (FBiH), one of Bosnia’s two entities, decided to lift the curfew and changed the order regarding the procedure for those entering the country.
This means that whoever enters Bosnia and Herzegovina at a border crossing on FBiH territory is obliged to report to authorities and will be handed a movement ban, sent home and be monitored for 14 days, while anyone entering the country via the other region, Republika Srpska (RS), will still be sent to a quarantine facility.
Dzaferovic said he discussed the issue with the other two Presidency members.
“We request that the measures in Bosnia and Herzegovina are harmonised and do not contradict each other,” Dzaferovic said, adding that the Presidency asked the Council of Ministers to do what is needed within 24 hours to harmonise the measures across the country.
When asked whether he believes that FBiH relaxed the measures too soon, Dzaferovic said that “this is a question for medical experts and people who deal with epidemics.”
“I appeal to authorities who are managing this crisis to consult with medical experts and listen to them. That is all I can do as a Presidency member,” he said.
