"Situation in Serbia very serious, new cases expected to increase by the end of the week"

Photo: Tanjug/Lazar Lazarevic

The situation in Serbia is very serious and the number of newly infected coronavirus cases is expected to increase by the end of the week, says State Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mirsad Djerlek, adding that measures should be tightened, but that drastic tightening is not being considered.

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He told for TV Pink that Covid hospitals cannot be opening indefinitely, as well as that there are patients who suffer from other diseases as well.

He noted that there are six Covid hospitals in Belgrade (as of today, KBC Zemun is completely in the Covid system), plus a temporary hospital in the Belgrade Arena, and that everything is filling up quickly.

"We don't have a magic wand so we can solve everything quickly, but we won't give up. We must understand that we are fighting against a vicious disease, be disciplined and do what is expected of us," said Djerlek.

He added that changes to the Law on Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases are encouraging, which will tighten the penal policy because, he believes, that is the only way to "bring order" among an arrogant group of individuals who persistently violate measures.

"We will not allow the healthcare system to collapse," said Djerlek and added that wearing masks, keeping the distance, and avoiding gatherings are currently the only form of protection against the virus.

He expects that a certain amount of the coronavirus vaccine will arrive in Serbia by the end of the year, and that a more significant contingent of 350,000 doses will arrive by the end of March.

"Healthcare workers, the army, the police, and the chronically ill will be vaccinated first. In the coming 2021, too, we will have to fight against the coronavirus."

10,000 for health professionals

Healthcare workers will also receive one-time financil support from the state in the amount of 10,000 dinars, and Djerlek says that in this way the state has shown respect for them.

"Those 10,000 dinars are not something that will solve the problem for everyone, but it's important that someone shows attention, because they are on the front line, risking their lives, but also the lives of their families," said Djerlek.