Bosnia-Herzegovina: Authorities announce reopening of airports from June 1 /update 5

Event

Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina announced on Thursday, May 28, that the reopening of all four of the country's airports will take place on Monday, June 1, amid the easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), Tuzla International Airport (TZL), Banja Luka International Airport (BXN), and Mostar International Airport (OMO) will all be open for commercial flights from June 1. Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina will allow Croatian, Montenegrin, and Serbian citizens to enter the country. 

Authorities in Bosnia's autonomous Republika Srpska announced the lifting of the state of emergency, a nighttime curfew, and the requirement that those entering the republic to undertake a mandatory two-week period of quarantine, on May 21. The measures had been in place since March to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wholesale businesses, retail shops, hairdressers, cosmetic salons, open-air bars, and restaurants, kindergartens, and dental clinics have already reopened. Certain measures, such as social distancing, the wearing of protective masks, and the disinfection of public places, will remain in place.

As of Saturday, May 30, health authorities have confirmed 2485 COVID-19 cases and 153 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

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.