Medical repatriations of all remaining cases of EUFOR personnel infected with COVID-19 to their home countries took place over the weekend. It is now possible to report that there are currently no (0) confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Camp Butmir.
As well as reducing the risk of further transmission to the local community, medical repatriations also help to increase the likelihood of maintaining a healthy and fit force, capable of maintaining operational output. This is pivotal in ensuring EUFOR’s ability to fulfil its mandate, supporting the authorities of BiH.
The decision to take action to perform a medical repatriation is made by the troop contributing country in consultation with EUFOR. This is not something that is taken lightly, often requiring the use of valuable medical resources and military air transport.
EUFOR is happy to have been of assistance to the EU Delegation in BiH and the local medical authorities last week. Demonstrating good cooperation, EUFOR was able to act swiftly and decisively to contain the situation. The member of the EU Delegation in BiH concerned was monitored by EUFOR medical staff in a dedicated isolation facility at Camp Butmir, before being repatriated on a military flight.
An additional series of tests are due to be carried out this week by a specialist team from Austria. This will further enhance the level of COVID-19 testing that has already been carried out, for both civilian and military EUFOR personnel. In addition to testing personnel at Camp Butmir, the team will look to carry out tests for deployed personnel, using a combination of road and air transport to cover an extended range.
EUFOR continues to employ a range of preventative measures to mitigate against the risk of the virus being brought on and off the base, reducing the risk of transmission to the local community. The strict measures employed remain under constant review and will be updated in accordance with the evolving situation.
EUFOR Public Affairs Office
HQ EUFOR, Camp Butmir, Sarajevo
Tel. +387 (0) 33 495 393 (BCS)
Tel. +387 (0) 33 495 214 (ENG)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.euforbih.org
