Press release regarding the spread of the new coronavirus in Italy and the world

New announcement from the Federal Ministry of Health:

So far, not a single suspected or positive case of the disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been registered in the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the epidemiological situation in the world is changing very quickly, and the appearance of COVID-19 can be expected in the Federation, that is, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In FBiH, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), and according to the Order of the Crisis Staff of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMZ), intensified epidemiological surveillance measures are implemented at border crossings, but also within the FBiH, with the aim of early detection of potential cases of COVID-19, as through the control of persons with whom they were in contact, measures would be taken to further prevent the spread of the virus.

This means "entry screening" for travelers coming from China, in the sense that travelers fill out a sanitary questionnaire, and information on entry is submitted to the relevant health institutions, and travelers are given recommendations and a phone number to contact in case of symptoms of illness. Foreign and BiH citizens with permanent or temporary residence in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who return from the territory of China, in cooperation with the competent inspection authorities, are placed under health supervision (mandatory daily reporting to the competent epidemiological service and self-isolation at home for a period of 14 days). In February, 26 persons were placed under medical supervision in the territory of FBiH, and given that the incubation period for some has expired, 10 persons are currently under medical supervision.

According to the decision of the FMZ Crisis Staff, from today the same measures at the border, as well as within the FBiH, apply to travelers from Italy, South Korea and Iran.

We invite all BiH. and foreign citizens who have a permanent or temporary residence in the FBiH, and who have returned to BiH from Italy, South Korea and Iran in the past seven days, to contact their competent cantonal health institute by phone, regardless of whether they have symptoms of illness or not public health for advice on further treatment, and to remain in self-isolation at home. In case of symptoms of a respiratory disease (elevated temperature, cough, difficulty breathing), they should immediately inform the Cantonal Institute for Public Health or emergency services by phone.  

In order to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the FMZ crisis headquarters recommends the cancellation of excursions and organized school trips to Italy.

Also, all citizens are advised to avoid traveling to China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.

We would like to point out that for an adequate response to the emergence of the new coronavirus in our country, maximum responsibility, cooperation and togetherness of both health institutions and institutions, as well as other public institutions at all levels of government, the media, as well as every individual citizen is required.

In this regard, we remind you of the general recommendations for the population to reduce the risk of acute respiratory and other infections (such as flu) whose season is in progress, which also refer to the reduction of the risk of the new coronavirus and which should be followed:
• Wash hands frequently using soap and water (at least 20 seconds) or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow or a disposable tissue - throw the tissue away immediately after use and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
• It is necessary to keep a distance of at least one meter between you and other people, especially those who are coughing, raining and have an elevated temperature.
• If you have a high temperature, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical help, and beforehand call the health worker to emphasize your travel history.

The FMZ crisis headquarters is actively monitoring the rapidly changing situation, and measures and recommendations will be changed in accordance with the current situation.

More information about the new coronavirus, as well as other recommendations for the population and healthcare workers, are available on the websites of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Institute for Public Health FBIH.