April 22, 2020 - Two new COVID-19 patients were registered in Montenegro today, one in Budva and the other in Niksic. Both new cases are family contacts of previously recorded cases. The total number of cases registered so far is 315. Five people have died, and 112 patients have recovered from COVID-19.
Yesterday, the National Infectious Disease Coordination Body approved the mitigation of individual measures, and citizens are now allowed to leave residential buildings until 11 pm.
Kluge: Montenegro's COVID-19 mortality rate is the lowest in the region
Montenegro's COVID-19 mortality rate is the lowest in the area, confirmed Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organization for Europe, citing the country's timely measures.
Slovenia has the highest mortality rate at 5.56%, followed by Northern Macedonia at 4.23%.
The death rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 3.63%, in Croatia 2.51%, Serbia 1.93%, and in Montenegro 1.63%.
First Assembly Session since the COVID-19 outbreak in Montenegro
Montenegrin Parliament started the first regular spring session, their first meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Montenegro. The Government's extensive coronavirus crises report, which is presented by the Vice-President of Montenegro's Government and the President of the National Coordination Body, Milutin Simovic.
Simovic said that in the process of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government was based on the principles of timeliness, understanding, determination, efficiency, cooperation, the strength of institutions, credibility, and commitment of individuals but, most importantly, adherence to recommendations and the science and profession.
Simovic said healthcare institutions had undertaken a set of activities since the beginning of the crisis. These activities have shown their full importance.
"On January 31, the Institute for Public Health asked for the formation of a National Coordination Body that would be charged with responding to a possible coronavirus outbreak in Montenegro. It was formed on February 3. Since mid January, the incoming threat has become a constant topic that has attracted Government attention. To cut the long story short, a crisis management was established. Out Government won't wait until March 25, when the WHO released the need for the involvement of all Governments, but it paid its attention to the threat in mid-January, two and a half months earlier," Simovic said.
To set prerequisites for responding to a large volume of activities, the state created seven operational units with over 100 members in charge of coordinating the work of tens of thousands of employees.
Citizens' awareness of adherence to measures was crucial. Mr Simovic pointed out. "We can be proud of what we have done together. It is not time to relax yet; we need to stick to measures and recommendations."
Radojevic: Clinical Center considers using recovered COVID-19 patients as treatment
Assistant Director of the Clinical Center, Dr. Nemanja Radojevic, said they continued to develop innovations to the protocol.
"We are considering the possibility of using plasma COVID-19 patients as a form of treatment. We are also examining Remdesivir drug and its use. We have started preparing for the procurement", Dr. Radojevic says.
He said 29 patients were hospitalized with coronavirus infection.
"Precautions are still in force. Montenegro has the lowest mortality rate in the region. Because we took measures in time and worked very hard to treat our patients," Dr. Radojevic pointed out.
Nine tonnes od protective equipment arrived
Seven tonnes of protective medical equipment has just been delivered to Montenegro through transport provided by the Netherlands.
"Importance of alliance and solidarity is seen when it is essential," the Government tweeted.
The other two tonnes the Government had purchased, donations from Chinese companies and individuals, arrived as well. "Thanks to donors from China, EU Delegation and UN Office in Montenegro," the Government said.
The contingent contains 726,000 masks, 460,000 gloves, 2,800 suits, 1,800 glasses, 5,000 COVID 19 test kits, 450 thermometers and 20 visors.
Embassy of Germany donated €10,000 for COVID-19 testing kits
Embassy of Germany has donated € 10,000 from its project fund for the procurement of COVID 19 testing kits. Ambassador Robert Weber said Germany stands for solidarity, unity, and international cooperation against coronavirus.
"For that reason, Germany will still be engaged in supporting Montenegro. Solidarity and unity are necessary, and borders should not be an obstacle," he said.
The director of the Institute of Public Health, Dr. Boban Mugoša, noted that friendship and spirit of solidarity knew no limits.
German doctor: Cure for the coronavirus lies in the seabed in Montenegro
Professor Herman Erlich from the Bergakademie Freiberg in Germany says that Montenegro has enormous potentials for the production of natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial medicine, which can be produced from "golden sponge" and is considered to be efficient for the treatment of COVID-19. Dr. Erlich claims that sponges with the exceptional capability of defending from viruses and bacteria live in the Adriatic. He points out there" s a reservoir where the sponge is grown artificially in a submarine parcel.
Source: Vijesti Online, CDM English
