In the EU headquarters, in Brussels, everything’s calm. No traffic collapse, only four to five cars on the streets, everything’s closed except for food shops and drug stores. Everything seems so unreal, even the weather, so unusually warm and clear, says Mr Bojan Šarkić, head of the Montenegro’s EU mission.
Mr Šarkić points out that situation in Montenegro, which until yesterday was the only European country free of coronavirus, is being monitored minute by minute.
“Comments on social media in relation to how Montenegro managed to prevent spreading of the virus are very positive. We were ahead of some European countries in some segments. Our competent institutions and the country as a whole had such a good reflex for the situation. They have demonstrated high level of professionalism and responsibility for the situation that was expected sooner or later. It is now up to everyone individually to abide by measures aimed at preventing epidemic. As for us in the Mission, we are all well and we’ll do our best to maintain that”, Mr Šarkić points out.
He stresses that Belgians are so disciplines and respect the prescribed measures.
“All sport and cultural activities were cancelled until 3 April, when the new plan will be drawn up, depending on the state of affairs. City traffic is still functioning, but there are very few people in metros and trams. The famous Place Luxembourg is empty. Totally unreal, a drama. But life goes on. It is essential we take this danger seriously. One day, when all this becomes past, we don’t want to face serious consequences. Until that day comes, we must all show responsibility, wherever we are, because the situation is very, very serious”, Mr Šarkić says.
Asked how European institutions function after the pandemic had been declared, Mr Šarkić says that communication with the EC and EP is not interrupted and mostly done by email, telephone and video links when necessary.
“Limiting the spread of the coronavirus is in the focus of Brussels administration. And the economic aspect of the story goes in step with it. I’ll remind you that EC president said that €38 billion had been earmarked for small and medium enterprises, for the simulation of the recovery of air companies and companies in service of tourism economy. All attention is devoted to the protection of human lives, provision of medical services, supply of medical material, and research on finding the vaccine against coronavirus”, Mr Šarkić says.
Yesterday, number of infected persons in Belgium exceeded 1000. Number of victims of coronavirus mounted to 10. Authorities have been urged to enhance measures with the aim of more efficient prevention of the spread – ban on gathering over 10 persons and total prohibition of movement after 10 pm.
