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Mugoša: State listened to medical personnel who then demonstrated their knowledge

Boban Mugoša

So far, we have managed to reach our main goals – to control the epidemic, keep it on a level acceptable for our healthcare system, avoid the events that certain countries had to face and at the same time keep our most important services still functioning. The best option is to listen to medical personnel, Prof. Dr Boban Mugoša, head of the Institute for Public Health, told in an interview for Dnevne Novine daily.

Mr Mugoša emphasized that they did 4.115 coronavirus tests over the past period, representing the highest number of coronavirus testing in the region when compared to the population, after which follow activities related to the development of the epidemiological situation in Montenegro and local transmission of the virus across the region and worldwide.

“It’s still too early to make any kinds of predictions. Any surge in the number of cases is alarming, especially if it ends in a fatality. It shows that some people didn’t adhere to the measures and that we must keep insisting on them,” Dr Mugoša said.

When asked to comment on the current situation and whether recent events finally made people aware of the significance of medical personnel, he said: “The best option is to listen to health staff. Always. And that was the case with Montenegro when it comes to the coronavirus epidemic. I’d like to express gratitude to the citizens who helped us in this joint battle against such a strong enemy by adhering to the prescribed measures.”

On the next cautious steps after the number of coronavirus cases starts easing, Mr Mugoša told: “The next steps will be primarily focused on the development of the epidemiological situation in Montenegro, local transmission of the virus across the region and worldwide.“

Commenting on citizens’ impatience to hear the news about lifting countermeasures, head of the Institute for Public Health noted that “it’s too early to make predictions, as it all depends on the epidemiological situation in our country, as well as the one in the region, Europe and the whole world. This is not an infection that a single country can cope with all alone but rather requires a global simultaneous response. The situation in our country will depend on ourselves and whether we’ll adhere to the measures and learn to live with the virus.”

On the necessary criteria to officially declare a coronavirus’ ending, Prof. Dr Mugoša said: “The pandemic will cease once the WHO’s Emergency Committee assesses that there’s no threat of the coronavirus anymore.”

An Easter message of Mr Mugoša to the nation – I wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter, celebrate it with your household family members and please adhere to the measures taken with the aim to preserve your health and life.

 

 

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