In 2021, Mirsad Djerlek, then state secretary in Serbia’s Ministry of Health, stated that introducing COVID passes and limiting public gatherings were necessary measures to curb the pandemic. Speaking to Blic, Djerlek emphasized that the state had done everything possible to protect citizens but stressed the need for greater collective responsibility, urging more people to get vaccinated to boost herd immunity.

Djerlek confirmed that the Crisis Staff was seriously considering implementing COVID passes, expecting the topic to be discussed at its next meeting. He also announced plans to reduce the number of people allowed at public events. He rejected claims that such measures amounted to discrimination against the unvaccinated, arguing that the state had already demonstrated it was not discriminatory by making vaccination voluntary.

“What would be required is simply proof that you are vaccinated, have recovered from COVID, or can show you are not currently infected,” Djerlek said. His comments, originally published on September 8, 2021, were republished on September 5, 2026, by Stanje stvari, reigniting discussion on public health policies in Serbia.