The state of the coronavirus epidemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina is stable and the infections curve is flattening, the head of World Health Organisation (WHO) office in the country, Victor Olsavzky, said on Tuesday.

The curve is flattening and we believe that the measures in place are effective, Olsavzky told a press conference in the northwestern city of Banja Luka. He added that the measures undertaken ensured the normal functioning of the healthcare system.

Over 1,330 cases and 51 coronavirus-related deaths have been confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina by Tuesday. The latest victim is a 61-year-old man who died in the hospital for pulmonary diseases in Sarajevo where he had been on a ventilator for three weeks.

Since April 17, the infections curve has gradually stabilised to about 30 cases daily. Oslavzky said that in the time ahead the infection in Bosnia and Herzegovina would most likely be transmitted in waves, but at a low rate.

Oslavzky said that in the present circumstances it was important to continue testing to contain the spread of the infection and ensure a prompt response in the event of emergence of new hotspots. He expressed hope that a vaccine would be found sooner than usual, that is within a year.