Doctor explains if pools will be open this summer; No decision yet on testing during border crossing

Photo; Milena Djordjevic, Pixabay

We will be able to swim in the pools this summer, said Dr. Predrag Kon, an epidemiologist and member of the Government's coronavirus Crisis HQ. He also said that as far as travel and the opening of borders are concerned, a final decision has not yet been made on whether a coronavirus test will be required and how recent it should be, but stressed that it was possible this would not be mandatory at the international level.

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"As far as the pools are concerned, the same applies as for all sporting activities. For now, outdoor training has been approved. As for sports events, they are canceled until May 31. When it comes to swimming pools, there is no difference, and I expect that we will be able to take a swim," said Dr. Kon.

He said that no final decision has been made regarding the crossing of the border.

"In any case, we're close to a requirement that all those entering the country should be tested. The question is how recent those tests would have to be. We will also see what will happen at the International Health Regulations level and whether it will be mandatory. It is expected to be mandatory for some passengers, but it's not impossible that it won't be," said Dr. Kon.

He reiterated that once a state of emergency has been lifted, we should not relax.

"The fact that a state of emergency will be lifted does not mean the world has changed, we acted to prevent contacts, now we should continue to do this, except now it's called contact avoidance, especially for chronic patients and those over 65 years of age. All these contacts allow the virus to survive. The fewer we have, the shorter its circulation will last. Therefore, we do not need to change our behavior much," said Dr. Kon, reminding that only people going to and from work will for now be allowed to use the city transport in Belgrade, that relaunches on May 8.

He said he was skeptical that we have developed significant immunity among the population, and that is why we should be careful, because most people are sensitive to the virus. He did not rule out the possibility that the virus had been present sporadically as early as in December, as said on social networks.

On this page (in Serbian), you can track information about coronavirus from around the world: https://www.telegraf.rs/covid-19

(Telegraf.rs)