President of the Republic of Srpska organises a meeting attended by the representatives of the Republic of Srpska institutions, representatives of the Republic of Srpska in the institutions of BiH and members of the Coordination Team for planning, implementation and monitoring of activities related to the occurrence of diseases caused by coronavirus

The President of the Republic of Srpska organised a meeting in Banja Luka today attended by the representatives of the Republic of Srpska institutions, representatives of the Republic of Srpska in the institutions of BiH and members of the Coordination Team for planning, implementation and monitoring of activities related to the occurrence of diseases caused by coronavirus.

The President of the Republic of Srpska announced that mandatory quarantine would be introduced very soon near border crossings for the citizens coming from abroad to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

At the press conference, the President of the Republic said that there would be tent settlements provided to prevent the virus from entering the health system.

 “All citizens coming from disadvantaged countries will have to be accommodated there. For this reason, the Council of Ministers will request from the BiH Presidency to make available certain tent settlements, and all that is necessary to establish stationary facilities, mandatory quarantines with beds and all related things to attain order, as it is obvious that we cannot rely on citizens and their awareness”, said the President Cvijanović.

The President of Srpska stressed that a mandatory quarantine measure near border crossings for citizens coming from abroad should save citizens in the Republic of Srpska and BiH, and would not allow the virus to be introduced into the domestic health system, as it would be devastating for all in BiH.

The President of the Republic of Srpska explained that this measure would be implemented in cooperation with the Federation of BiH and BiH, and that the Serb member of the BiH Presidency, Milorad Dodik, was in communication with his counterparts from the BiH Presidency, as well as in contact with the Federal Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, while the Chairman of the Council of Ministers Zoran Tegeltija was in contact with his colleagues, and the Republic of Srpska Minister of Health Alen Šeranić was in contact with his colleagues.

The President of the Republic of Srpska said that this comprehensive measure would produce good results, it would at least prevent some alarming situation, and recalled that the solution-related regime would enter into force on Monday, March 16, at 6:00 a.m. for self-isolation of BiH citizens, as well as those entering from abroad.

The President of Srpska emphasized that it is the duty of the authorities and the health system, of all people who work, live and reside today in the Republic of Srpska and the FBiH, as well as those who come from abroad, to abide by these measures.

Employers will be required to list all employees who have been abroad for the past two weeks.

 “It is crucial that we act together, citizens and institutions, in the next few weeks, possibly months. For this reason, we need to understand that there must be an iron discipline in all that is prescribed, which probably means some new possible system of sanctions for all those who do not comply”, said the President of the Republic of Srpska.

The President of the Republic pointed out that there were examples of the citizens coming from abroad and not complying with the measures to stay in isolation for 14 days, but holding birthday parties and participate other gatherings.

“We are aware that certain measures are being violated in a way that from certain catering facilities that close at 6 pm guests are being transferred to certain hotel facilities. Therefore, it means that we are not disciplined enough”, said the President Cvijanović.

The President of Srpska stressed that everyone would have to act like people act in other responsible countries, and added that some additional measures could be expected after a few days.

 “We in the Republic of Srpska are first required to understand this situation. We have not without reason said that children should not go to schools, that catering facilities should be closed, that there are no gatherings, matches or any mass gathering that poses a risk”, said the President Cvijanović.

The President of the Republic of Srpska said that the health system and the competent authorities have reacted readily to the coronavirus, but that it was necessary that there was an absolute cooperation between the citizens in order for these measures to be effective.

 “Those who may have a problem with the virus tomorrow and endure it on their own will not suffer any major damage or problems, they must be aware that they can pass the disease on to others, to those who are unprotected, old and helpless, who cannot resist with their body and immunity”, said the President of the Republic of Srpska.