The Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu outlined new plan to ease the restrictions and gradual reopening to help the country return to normality. The new lockdown easing measures and reopening plan will enter into force on May 4.
“We are at a crucial and decisive moment regarding the Covid-19 epidemic situation in the country. The continued evaluation of the epidemiological data show a number of virus hotbeds are still active across the country, where intense work is underway through testing and aggressive efforts to track down contacts of the confirmed coronavirus cases. The reopening strategy developed by the Technical Committee of Experts projects several phases of gradual and very prudent ease of the restrictive measures,” Manastirliu said.
The Minister of Health announced that 18 more municipalities all over the country are included in the so-called green zones, classified as low-risk areas for the transmission of the infection.
“Starting May 4, the municipalities of Tropoja, Rrogozhina, Peqin, Belsh, Cerrik, Gramsh, Ura Vajgurore, Kucova, Berat, Poliçan, Skrapar, Devoll, Pustec, Maliq, Mallakastra, Kolonja, Vlora, and Selenica will add to the green zones list,” Manastirliu said.
Underlining that the decision was made in accordance with the daily epidemic curve for the coronavirus Covid-19 and indicators of the country’s health system, as well as based on the risk level, Manastirliu noted that same unchanged travel and movement rules and time slots will remain in place in the so-called green zones.
Announcing that taxi intercity services with two passengers from same family will be allowed to operate starting May 4, Manastirliu also revealed the new decision on the mandatory quarantine for the repatriated citizens.
“Starting May 4, the red zone citizens who will be repatriated from other countries should observe a 14-day mandatory quarantine in their own homes under strict conditions and surveillance. While the green zone citizens repatriated from other countries will be quarantined in the defined accommodating structures,” Manastirliu said.
Outlining the gradual reopening strategy, the Minister of Health and Social Protection announced that starting May 11 another category of businesses will be allowed to reopen, including beauty shops, barber shops and retail shops within shopping malls that will open under strict safety protocols.
“Our plan for the two coming weeks starting May 11 includes the ease of more restrictions, allowing a number of other businesses to resume their work, but by rigorously observing safety measures. The new small businesses to reopen include beauty salons, barber shops, dental clinics, as well as retail shops in large shopping malls. Specific safety protocols will become available starting next week and all these businesses should act to take the necessary measures to offer their service, but by strictly adhering to the new safety rules and conditions,” Manastirliu said.
Health Minister noted that based on the COVID-19 situation in the country and the data according to the draft-plan, another reopening phase may start on May 18 and on and during this phase outdoor restaurants, bars and cafes may be allowed to open.
“As part of the draft plan, after an evaluation based on the COVID-19 situation, should the indicators remain stable, based on the criteria set by the experts, starting May 18 and on, in line with further planed steps, we will consider allowing service units, bars and restaurants to partially open, or only their outdoor venues, according to the safety distance and hygiene and sanitary protocols,” she said.
During the introduction of the new reopening plan, Manastirliu confirmed that the restrictions on sports, social and cultural events, mass gatherings will remain in place.
