Following the newly emerging social, economic and political situation in Serbia as a result of the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic and the imposition of a state of emergency, MASA points to the ever-important need to nurture the freedom of critical thinking. Citizens of Serbia have the right to receive information and hear different opinions and arguments from verified sources, especially when it comes to experts in the field of medical and social sciences. Man is a social being, and the introduced state of emergency has radically reduced his sociability. Since the beginning of the state of emergency, concerned citizens have, quite expectedly, primarily focused their attention on epidemiologists and infectious disease experts, expecting news, precise information and useful advice.
MASA notes with regret that, under pressure from representatives of the executive power, some members of the academic community are inappropriately inclined to blame the citizens themselves for the pandemic and the high death rate in Serbia. MASA demands that citizens' fears be answered exclusively by presenting verified, accurate and timely information that will be communicated in an adequate manner. A series of unmeasured statements at official press conferences by representatives of the executive power, but unfortunately also by academic members of the crisis staff, contributed to the additional collapse of the already low public trust in what they are being told about the coronavirus pandemic. This caused great damage, the consequences of which, as could be expected, are reflected in the spread of rumours, misinformation and fake news and causing even greater fear and panic in the public. It is a well-known fact in communication theory that rumors spread where information is limited. On the other hand, we are witnessing that those who laid the groundwork for the spread of rumors are trying to prevent it by further abolishing freedom of speech and arresting citizens and journalists. MASA warns that such moves will only further deepen the problem and cause a revolt among citizens at a time when solidarity and mutual support should be appealed for.
A state of emergency was declared and inadequately protected health workers (without appropriate masks and protective equipment) were placed in front of the "invisible enemy". A large number of the infected are healthcare workers, but they cover it up or shyly bring it up during the roll call. While health workers have very little basic health care and while protective masks are sold to citizens in pharmacies at a price 5-6 times higher than before the pandemic, we hear about thousands of ventilators that need to arrive in Serbia. Politicians do not seem to be familiar with the medical catchphrase: "prevention is better than cure"?
MASA requires clear and precise answers to the following questions: Are citizens given the option of choosing in the proposed measures, and if not, explain why (for example collection centers or home self-isolation)? Why is individual irresponsibility capriciously declared collective and the problem generalized instead of finding a way to target it? Are the sociological and psychological consequences of such a decision considered and what measures have been taken to solve the newly created problems?
