COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Bosnia and Herzegovina on 5 March 2020 in Banja Luka, where a man who had been in Italy tested positive.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

Timeline

Initial outbreak

The first case of COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina was confirmed on 5 March 2020. The patient was a man who had returned from Italy, which was one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe at the time. Following this, the number of cases began to rise steadily.

Spread and response

As the virus spread, the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina implemented various measures to curb the outbreak. These included closing schools, banning public gatherings, and imposing travel restrictions. A state of emergency was declared, and health facilities were prepared to handle the influx of patients.

Triage tent in Sarajevo

Healthcare system adaptation

The healthcare system in Bosnia and Herzegovina faced significant challenges due to the pandemic. Hospitals were restructured to increase capacity, and triage tents were set up to manage the flow of patients. The government also procured additional medical supplies and equipment to support healthcare workers.

Public health measures

Lockdowns and restrictions

The government imposed several lockdowns and restrictions to control the spread of the virus. These included curfews, closure of non-essential businesses, and restrictions on movement between regions. Public transportation was also limited to reduce the risk of transmission.

Hygiene and sanitation

Public health campaigns were launched to promote hygiene and sanitation. Makeshift hand sanitizers were installed in public places, and disinfection tunnels were set up in high-traffic areas.

Makeshift hand sanitizer in Bosnia

Disinfection tunnel

Impact

Economic impact

The pandemic had a significant impact on the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many businesses were forced to close, leading to job losses and economic downturn. The government introduced economic relief measures to support affected businesses and individuals.

Social impact

The social impact of the pandemic was profound, affecting daily life and social interactions. Schools and universities shifted to online learning, and many cultural and social events were canceled or postponed.

Statistics

Cases and deaths

The number of confirmed cases and deaths fluctuated throughout the pandemic, with several waves of increased transmission. The government regularly updated the public on the status of the pandemic through official channels.

COVID-19 cases per capita in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cases per capita in the last 14 days

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in Europe
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
• Public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic