"Pelemis: People should be prepared, the Crisis HQ will surely introduce stricter measures tomorrow

Photo: Tanjug/Slobodan Miljevic

A meeting of the Crisis HQ for the fight against coronavirus, at which the tightening of current epidemiological measures due to an increase in the number of new cases is expected, will be held tomorrow starting at 8 o'clock.

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"People should be prepared, the Crisis HQ will surely introduce stricter measures tomorrow!," infectologist Dr. Mijomir Pelemis told 24sedam.rs ahead of tomorrow's session.

He says that the fact that no new measures were adopted yesterday does not mean that won't happen.

"Let people be ready. I remind you that all that the already adopted epidemiological measures are still in force and must be respected. In case someone has forgotten, these are wearing masks indoors, wearing masks outdoors as well when distance can't be kept, such as in queues and the like, a ban on gathering of more than five people indoors, washing hands regularly, maintaining physical distance of at least two meters," says Professor Dr. Pelemis, and adds that by no means should masks not be worn, because the virus is spreading.

People have relaxed

"It's obvious that people have relaxed. The problem is in hospitality establishments, shopping malls, buses, where the measures are not respected. More people enter than allowed and more sit at one table than is allowed. We are witnessing parties in various clubs, cafes and other similar facilities," he explains.

Speaking about winter vacationing, he stresses that no one has anything against skiing.

"People can ski all day long. But the problem is when they go to hospitality establishments later. Also, it's worth nothing if the measures are tightened but rigorous control of their implementation is not carried out. There are people who don’t even think about themselves, let alone about others. Also, we have the phenomenon of children becoming infected," Professor Dr. Pelemis is warning.

Vaccination in danger

According to him, it is not true that children cannot be infected.

"From the beginning, I have been saying that children can get the virus, just like any other person. Of course, the outcome of the disease is different and depends on the body's natural defenses. And the vaccine is a dam we have to believe in. If we do not continue to implement epidemiological measures, we will endanger the vaccination. People will get sick, and when they are in the acute phase of the disease they cannot get the shot," our expert warned.

He reminded everyone who received the first dose of the Covid vaccine not to relax.

"They must respect the measures and wear masks because that first dose doesn't mean anything. They are not immune to the virus immediately afterwards. Also, even after the second dose, it is necessary to wear masks, keep a distance and respect everything that is prescribed by measures to suppress the spread of coronavirus," he concluded.

No new epidemiological measures were adopted at yesterday's session of the Crisis HQ, as the current epidemiological situation in the country was discussed. A new session is scheduled for tomorrow, when new measures should be adopted.

(Telegraf.rs)