Likelihood that coronavirus will appear in Montenegro seems small

The likelihood that coronavirus will appear in Montenegro seems small, although nothing can be excluded yet, said today Minister of Health, Mr Kenan Hrapović at the press conference. He said that Ministry had taken protection measures.

The conference was scheduled after media had released information that Institute for Public Health dispelled doubt that three Chinese tourists were infected by coronavirus.

Mr Hrapović said that Clinical Center had received order to provide additional equipment and toughen controls in the state’s greatest healthcare institution. Chinese workers working on the highway construction are under constant watch.

Mr Hrapović said that the situation with the Chinese tourists who had come from Beijing was under control.

“Ministry of Health and Institute for Public Health are taking all the necessary measures to prevent coronavirus to emerge in Montenegro. Institute has made quick risk assessment and the importation likelihood is considered to be very low”, said Mr Hrapović.

Director of the Institute, Mr Boban Mugoša, said that the Budva case had indicated a stable control system and disease prevention. The virus is transmitted just like the flu.

“In Montenegro, we have certain number of tests for coronavirus, but not for this type”, explained Mr Mugoša.

He added that they sent samples to their partners in the region and Europe.

“I had a meeting with CRBC representatives. We agreed that workers who had left for China should not come back to Montenegro, until further notice”, pointed out Mr Mugoša.

Chinese workers in Montenegro will be under watch.

As Mr Mugoša says, the majority of workers are from the area where coronavirus contagion appeared.

Mr Mugoša emphasized that all border crossings were covered.