Vesic: For now, there are no plans to introduce a state of emergency

Photo: Tanjug/Nikola Andjic

The epidemiological situation in Serbia is better than in the surrounding countries, but that should not comfort us because the borders are open and  whether we will be able to protect ourselves depends only on how much we will respect the measures in force, Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic told TV Studio B.

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"I hope that the majority of citizens understand that it is necessary to wear masks, especially in public transport. By wearing masks, we protect ourselves and others, which is necessary in this situation. It is also important that parties are not held, that larger gatherings are avoided, because most of the newly infected people, between the ages of 20 and 40, were in places with many people who did not respect epidemiological measures," Vesic pointed out.

He emphasized that, for now, there are no plans to introduce a state of emergency, but he recalled that new measures have been introduced in France and that a large number of infected people are in Germany and Slovenia.

"We must protect ourselves until the vaccine arrives or a drug is found that is effective. We have no choice but to respect the measures. We are constantly trying to find some balance, so that people can have a social life, but we have to learn to live with the virus. On the other hand, we cannot allow the economy to stop and we will do everything on that issue. 40,000 people work in the hospitality industry, and it is important that all measures are respected, because that is how you save jobs for employees. I remind you that all restaurants are closed in London, all cafes and bars in Brussels for two weeks now, the same in Rome and Paris," Vesic stressed.

He especially stressed the importance of wearing masks in public transport and added that there are currently 1,641 vehicles in the streets of Belgrade.

"It is not possible for inspection and control to enter every vehicle, restaurant or cafe. That means it's up to us to take care. A large number of people called the number of the Ministry of Health to report violations of epidemiological measures, and I think that is completely normal because we should all participate in preventing the spread of the infection in order to return to normal life as soon as possible - Vesic concluded.

The crisis HQ found balance in protecting health and keeping the economy working

Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic said that with today's decisions, the Crisis HQ found balance between the need to protect the health of the population and the economy to work.

"The City of Belgrade is satisfied with today's decisions of the Crisis HQ because our proposals, which are based on the information we receive from both citizens and businessmen, have been respected. The protection of public health is the most important and that is why it is important to adhere to the recommendations of epidemiologists to wear protective masks everywhere and in every place," Vesic said after the session of the Crisis HQ.

"In addition, the City of Belgrade will no longer issue permits for public gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events and other public events. The most important thing for us is to protect the jobs of our citizens in the hospitality sector, which employs about 40,000 people, at the same time as protecting the health of citizens. That is 40,000 families that live on the salaries that their mothers and fathers earn. Most establishments respect all prescribed measures and contribute to the protection of public health. We must learn to live with this virus until a clinically tested vaccine or drug arrives. That is why Belgrade will always fight for the health of its citizens, but also for the economy to work," Vesic added.

(Telegraf.rs)