Bosnia's Federation entity loosens curfew for youths and elderly

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Youths under the age of 18 and persons above 65 will be able to leave their homes under certain conditions and at specific time periods, the Civil Protection Headquarters of Bosnia's Bosniak-Croat shared Federation (FBiH) entity said on Friday.

According to the amended decision on curfew in this entity, persons above the age of 65 will be allowed to exit their homes to pick up their pensions and pick up groceries in the period from 8 am to 12 pm, from Monday to Friday.

Youths below the age of 18 are allowed to take trips with their parents but only if they remain in their parents’ vehicles, the Headquarters said.

The new order will come into effect on Monday, April 6.

FBiH Health Ministry's Crisis Staff Goran Cerkez appealed to FBiH citizens between the ages of 18 and 65 not to leave their homes during the next week when elderly are allowed to leave theirs, so as not to endanger them and their health.

“I would especially ask that they avoid staying in places where pensions are handed, in post offices, offices or shops. We have taken many measures which are now producing results, but in order to stay in this flow it is essential that we respect individual protection measures, especially at this time when our senior citizens can fulfil their obligations, walk outside and take their pensions,” Cerkez said. “Please try not to go outside before 12 pm, and allow them the freedom of movement.”

The FBiH Civil Protection Headquarters also discussed implementing a total 15-day quarantine in the entity but decided not to implement it just yet.

“The total ban on movement is the final measure. When we're unable to decrease further movement and contain the spread of the disease, this will be the final measure. There's a possibility for its enforcement, but it's our last resort,” Fahrudin Solak, the head of the Civil Protection HQ said.

“I believe that measures currently in force have produced good results and I take this opportunity to once again urge citizens to comply with the measures imposed by the competent authorities,” FBiH Interior Minister Aljosa Campara said.

Minister Campara stressed that responsible behaviour is key to preventing the spread of the coronavirus in Bosnia and Herzegovina.