Dr. Tiodorovic ahead of Crisis HQ meeting: Covid passes certain, stepped up controls of measures

Photo: ATA Images

Epidemiologist and member of the Crisis HQ Dr. Branislav Tiodorovic pointed out before today's meeting that there are many topics for discussion, but that the main will be the assessment of the epidemiological situation, which, he said, has changed significantly since the last meeting.

Recommended

He said that gatherings and events held during August have been happening with good checks in place, but that gatherings at sports events are problematic.

"A lot has changed since a month ago, when we met. In terms of the assessment, the epidemiological situation is unfavorable, considering the number of positive cases, the number of hospitalized people... Even if there are some milder clinical pictures, it should not be taken lightly, because the time is not right for that. A serious approach is needed, because the virus will continue to spread if we don't take appropriate epidemiological measures. As for concrete measures, I believe that these existing measures, which were never lifted - wearing masks indoors, physical distancing and disinfection - should be strictly controlled. So, tightening control of measures, tightening penalties, and more work of the communal police and inspection services, that is what's necessary for us at this moment," Tiodorovic told Blic.

No shortening of opening hours

The hospitality industry, but also their customers, of course, are most interested in learning whether there will be any changes in terms of opening hours, as well as whether there will be any restrictions. Professor Tiodorovic says that he does not expect anything to change except stepped up control.

"I don't believe that we will limit opening hours at this moment, that some facilities should be closed, I believe that will still be a matter for some future time, that it's not necessary now. Control of measures during various events, sports, music events should be asked for very rigorously... The problem are sports events, music festivals can be said to be more serious, that they are well organized, which I would not say for some performances by individual artists, I notice that the measures are not respected there," the epidemiologist explains.

School starts regularly

As Tiodorovic pointed out, regardless of speculations, the school year will start regularly.

"We can say that everyone can start regularly, with masks still being worn at all levels. Also, there is a recommendation for vaccination from the age of 12 and up, I especially think that we will have to recommend vaccination of students who live in dorms. We had the experience from July, from November, December of last year. Also, health workers should be vaccinated, and educators need to be given a strong recommendation for vaccination because of their health and because of the children they work with. The same goes for kindergartens. We will probably have a serious discussion with all those who do not think so," says Professor Tiodorovic.

Covid passes

Lately, Covid passes are being talked about more and more often in public, so it is more and more certain that they will be introduced in Serbia as well. For example, they have already been introduced in France, Italy, Great Britain.

"We are in favor of something like that, we need the recommendation of a legal expert so that someone would not invoke human rights later, although we see that it has been introduced in a large number of European countries. If someone has a green or a Covid pass, it would mean that they have either been vaccinated, or tested, or have had Covid and recovered. No one can say that there is discrimination, because you cannot say that it's something only for those who got vaccinated. Legal experts should finally say what is according to the law and the Constitution, for the sake of preserving health," says Professor Tiodorovic.

(Telegraf.rs)