President of the Republic of Srpska holds a meeting with officials of the Republic of Srpska, representatives of the health sector, competent institutions and representatives of local communities on the occasion of the complex epidemiological situation in the Republic of Srpska

The President of the Republic of Srpska Željka Cvijanović held a meeting today in Banja Luka with the officials of the Republic of Srpska, representatives of the health sector, competent institutions and representatives of local communities on the occasion of the complex epidemiological situation in the Republic of Srpska.

The President of the Republic of Srpska said that the republican institutions were effective during the crisis caused by the corona virus, and that they would continue to carry out their activities with the goal of making Srpska as good and efficient as possible in fighting this issue and minimising its consequences.

 “I believe in what the Republic is doing, because we are not the only ones facing this crisis. Everyone is facing this situation and no one has found a better solution than what we are doing in Srpska”, said the President Cvijanović.

The President Cvijanović pointed out that this crisis will continue for some time to come, and added that today she heard from representatives of various institutions that they are ready to work and tackle all problems.

The President of the Republic reiterated that there are still no solutions, such as finding a cure for the virus, which is why there is still an appeal to the population to adhere to all prescribed measures in terms of protecting the health sector and the economy.

The President Cvijanović said that the latest measures of Srpska related to the virus are aimed at repairing the existing problems, but also at preventing potential dangers.

 “They do not differ from the measures that are being implemented around the world, and we are aware of the fact that it is not possible to lock up society again and suspend all activities. So, we must find the necessary balance between the prescribed measure and the goal that is to be achieved”, said the President Cvijanović, adding that without preserving health and the economy, there is no life, no society nor community.

The President of Srpska said that the reduction of working hours in the catering industry in Srpska is minimal in relation to what is happening in the region.

“These are small interventions, because there are countries where the work of such facilities has been completely suspended, which will last for weeks or more”, reminded the President Cvijanović.

The President Cvijanović said that the measure of suspension of classes in schools was temporary, and that it was introduced due to the spread of the virus in the community, which affected many families.

“We know that there are conditions to balance this approach in the coming period and for classes to be as regular as possible in schools whenever possible. However, it is important that we always have a backup, and that is a quick transition to a combined way of teaching or only to online teaching”, said the President Cvijanović and added that regular classes in Srpska will return next Monday in accordance with the decision of the Republic Headquarters for Emergency situations.

The President of the Republic stated that during the fight against the virus, close cooperation between the republic and local authorities is still needed, as well as the cooperation with friends around the world.

The President of Srpska reiterated that care must be taken since workers in the health sector are under special pressure.

“We must take care that every mistake we make, if it is frequent or, God forbid, intentional, can produce great consequences”, said the President of the Republic of Srpska.

In addition to the President Cvijanović, the meeting was attended by the Prime Minister Radovan Višković, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Milorad Dodik, ministers in the Srpska Government, Republic of Srpska Police Director Siniša Kostrešević, Institute of Public Health Director Branislav Zeljković, Inspectorate Director Dragutin Škrebić and Civil Protection Director Milan Novitović.

The meeting was also attended by the Mayor of Banja Luka Igor Radojičić, Mayor of Bijeljina Mićo Mićić, Mayor of Doboj Boris Jerinić, Mayor of Trebinje Mirko Ćurić, Mayor of Prijedor Milenko Đaković, Mayor of Zvornik Zoran Stevanović, Mayor of East Sarajevo Nenad Vuković, Mayor of Gradiška Zoran Adžić, President of the Association of Municipalities and Cities Ljubiša Ćosić, directors and representatives of the Republic of Srpska UCC, hospitals in Srpska, the Health Insurance Fund, medical faculties and others.