Bosnia-Herzegovina: Government eases COVID-19 lockdown measures in Republika Srpska as of April 27 /update 3

Event

On Monday, April 27, Bosnian authorities in Republika Srpska eased lockdown measures introduced amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Senior citizens will now be permitted to leave their homes for three hours each workday and some businesses will be allowed to reopen.

A nationwide state of emergency remains in effect until Monday, May 11. Moreover, all flights into and out of the country remain suspended until further notice; the only exception to this being cargo aircraft carrying medical supplies.

An entry ban on all foreign nationals remains in place, and all individuals arriving from abroad are subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.

As of Tuesday, April 28, authorities have confirmed 1565 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 60 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:   

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.  
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue; throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.