July 9, 2020 - After processing samples for coronavirus in Montenegro, another 59 new COVID-19 cases have been detected. Two more patients have died from coronavirus infection. Since the beginning of June, the total number of registered COVID-19 patients is 695. Five patients have recovered, ten died, and there are currently 680 active cases.
New cases of infection were found in patients from Podgorica 30, Berane 5, Budva 4, Niksic 4, Cetinje 3, Pljevlja 3, Tivat 3, Ulcinj 3, Herceg Novi 2, Gusinje 1, and Danilovgrad 1.
"Among the positive results was a sample of a person who passed away yesterday, suspected of having died of COVID-19. Also, another person treated for the coronavirus infection in General Hospital Berane died. The deceased are from Gusinje and Rožaje. Since the beginning of June, ten COVID-19 patients have lost their lives," the Institute of Public Health announced.
The number of active COVID-19 cases by municipality:
Podgorica 259
Rozaje 130
Bijelo Polje 60
Berane 36
Budva 32
Cetinje 24
Pljevlja 23
Bar 19
Tivat 18
Gusinje 17
Nikšić 13
Petnjica 11
Ulcinj 11
Danilovgrad 9
Herceg Novi 8
Kotor 7
Tuzi 2
Andrijevica 1
Around 200 citizens of Rožaje waiting for COVID-19 test results
"Self-isolation measures in Rožaje have been enhanced through the activities of inspection services and increased entry and exit controls. No new cases of coronavirus were reported yesterday. So far, there have been 133 confirmed cases. Since the beginning of the epidemic, a total of 648 people have been tested. A total of 120 residents who tested positive for the virus are at home. Around 200 people have been tested and are now waiting for the results. Thirteen people have been admitted to hospital in Berane, and two are in Podgorica. There have been three deaths," says Dr. Nebojsa Kavarić, a member of the Crisis Staff.
Doctor Kavarić has been in Rožaje for several days to follow the epidemiological situation and offer medical staff in the healthcare center in Rožaje full support.
"We have improved the health protection of children. The healthcare center has improved its activities following the epidemic. The epidemic service is working diligently on identifying contacts and is conducting epidemic research throughout the day," says Dr. Kavarić.
Dr. Kavarić says they expect good news regarding the number of infected persons.
"However, having regard to the number of samples, we know that we are not yet at the end and that a significant amount of infections will appear in the next few days. We must not relax now, "said Dr. Kavarić.
He states that residents are very disciplined. "We encourage citizens to keep adhering to measures and prevent the virus from spreading horizontally within their families and relatives," says Dr. Kavarić.
A working group to organize elections in the current epidemiological conditions
The National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases (NKT), representatives of state institutions and non-governmental organizations dealing with the election process, agreed to join efforts in finding answers to all challenges posed by the election process in a situation of widespread coronavirus infection.
At the session, chaired by the President of the NKT Milutin Simovic, a working group of representatives of the NKT, relevant institutions, and the civil sector was formed. They immediately began working on reviewing all challenges of this critical process and preparing guidelines and binding instructions for all aspects of elections coronavirus pandemics.
The undivided interest of all participants in the dialogue is, as it was announced, the preservation of citizens' health and lives in the election process, which is a constitutional obligation and a right - it was stated at the meeting.
"In this way, the NKT clearly expresses its openness and readiness to communicate and cooperate with all constructive and responsible subjects and individuals to preserve the health and life of citizens, while preserving the constitutional obligation and the right to hold elections," the statement said.
Members of the NKT attended the session - Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžić, Director of the Institute of Public Health Prof. Dr. Boban Mugoša and Assistant Director Dr. Senad Begić, on behalf of the State Election Commission, President Aleksa Ivanović and members Natasa Pešić and Milisav Ćorić, on behalf of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Acting Director Savo Milašinović, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Dragan Pejanović, and on behalf of the civil sector Dragan Koprivica (Center for Democratic Transition - CDT), Zlatko Vujović (Center for Monitoring and Research - CEMI), Zoran Vujičić (Civic Alliance - GA) and Milena Besic (Center for Democracy and Human Rights - CEDEM).
Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can also enter Montenegro with a serological test for COVID-19
The citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can enter Montenegro with a negative test for the COVID-19, which can either be a PCR, or a significantly cheaper serological test. This procedure was clarified yesterday at a meeting of the Municipal Team for Protection and Rescue of Herceg Novi.
"The Institute of Public Health of Montenegro recognizes a negative PCR test, ELISA serological test or ECLIA test, but it is important that it is done in an accredited laboratory," said sanitary inspector Karmela Mujicic.
The Municipality notes that the difference between the tests recognized by the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro is in the price, as a PCR costs about a hundred euros. In comparison, the serological test costs 17-20 euros.
"Also, an important aspect is the time it takes for the results to arrive, which is usually significantly shorter for a serological test, only up to a maximum of several hours," the statement said.
As Mujičić stated, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can have a PCR test only in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and Tuzla. The ELISA serological test can also be done in laboratories in other cities, such as in Trebinje.
"This means that people from Montenegro who go to Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example to Trebinje on business, can finish their work in that city, take a test in a few hours and come back," Mujičić explained.
The so-called "quick tests" for Covid-19 that have recently appeared on the market are not valid because they are considered unreliable. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR tests and serological tests by ELISA are much higher, and they are performed in more detail and precision compared to "rapid tests".
"The PCR test is used to detect the virus and is done based on swabs from the nose and throat. The serological test, as a blood test, detects antibodies, and more precisely - gives the response of our body to the possible presence of the virus," a statement noted.
