The Technical Committee of Experts has considered reopening of certain green zones classified as low-risk areas for the growth rate and the spread of the Covid-19 infections as a piloting phase under the plans to further reopen country and its economy. The Committee has also determined the map of zones according to the risk level for the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. Specifically, starting as of Monday, April 27, movement and travel of people will be specifically relaxed, yet under strict rules, in the districts of Dibra, Gjirokastra, in the common area between the municipalities of Pogradec, Përrenjas, Librazhd, and in the common area between the municipalities of Saranda, Himara, Delvina, Konispol, Finiq, as well as in the municipality of Divjaka.
To discuss modalities on ways to ease travel restrictions in these areas, Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ogerta Manastirliu, this evening held a video conference with the mayors of these municipalities. PM Rama called on mayors to make sure that travel protocol is strictly implemented so that these areas do not turn into red zones, or high-risk areas for the spread rate of the pandemic.
“Based on the opinion of the Minister of Health and relevant experts, we have mapped a different regime for the movement of pedestrians and motorists in the territories of your municipalities, given the calculations made on the base of the curve model and the dynamics of the spread of the pandemic in the country and taking into account the low risk in your areas. However, low risk doesn’t mean that these areas are untouchable, just like it doesn’t mean that these areas couldn’t turn from green into red or high-risk zones if the rules are not properly and strictly enforced. It is crucially important that mayors act and take due measures and personally oversight the implementation of these rules and the reopening process following a considerable lockdown period,” PM Rama stated.
Pointing out the elderly people as the high risk category for the Covid-19 disease, the Premier noted that the daily time period when the older adults will be allowed to leave their homes will be limited until 08:30 am, when no people of other age groups will be allowed to leave their homes, if no work authorizations have been issued to them.
“A special daily time period for breaking the stay-at-home orders will be applied for the retired people every morning. Elderly people will be allowed to leave their homes until 08:30 am and no other pedestrians will be allowed on the road, except those who have been issued due authorizations to drive or walk to work. The issue of the elderly people is a very delicate and sensitive one and therefore utmost care is needed to make sure that no problems are encountered. Everyone will be allowed to use personal car between 09:30 am and 17:30 pm without having to apply for an authorization, but always respecting the rule, stipulating that no more than two persons will be allowed in one car and nobody will be allowed to drive outside the area where they live. Police will set up check points to make sure rules are properly enforced. Whoever is caught breaking the rules and driving to other areas they will face penalties. It is very important that parks are closed to everyone. Police and the army should care that nobody goes to parks,” the Premier added, highlighting that “the next 10 days will help us to understand the dynamic about a broader reopening will progress.”
The Minister of Health and the Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu noted that despite an initial phase of reopening of the country, the lockdown measures could be reinstated if risk signs emerge in these areas.
“Based on a dynamic assessment, the Technical Committee of Experts has developed a plan on gradual ease of the restrictive measures, considering the current situation and an evaluation of the transmission rate and the infection situation in all regions across the country. The movement of people in the green zones, or low-risk areas for the spread of the infection, will be relaxed, given that strict safety protocols are implemented. Support and commitment of the local government authorities is required. Therefore, preparations should be made in next two days, so that implementation of this plan kicks off on Monday with the involvement of the municipal and regional structures and teams to monitor enforcement of the new rules. However, we have the emergency brakes in any case. Should we note that infection risk heightens in the territory of a certain municipality, we will act to take the due measures and restore the previous lockdown measures,” Manastirliu said.
According to the protocol on the green areas, people will be allowed to use their personal cars without an authorization between 09:30 am and 17:30 pm, but always respecting the limitation to two persons only, but categorically excluding the retired people. In the meantime, the entry and exit of other citizens in the perimeter of these areas is strictly prohibited. Retired people will be allowed to walk freely until 08:30 am, when no other pedestrians will be allowed to take the streets, except those the special work authorization holders. Everyone else is allowed to leave home between 09:30 am and 17:30 pm, but given that no more than two persons gather in one place.
