Press statement Prof. Mira Rakacolli, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection:

As part of the daily briefing on the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the Covid-19 disease situation in Albania we inform you that:

Tests were conducted on the samples of 231 suspected individuals, out of which 9 new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours. Five new cases were detected in Kurbin, 2 in Kukes, 1 in Tirana and 1 case in Fier.

So far, tests have been conducted on 531 people and 548 of them have tested positive for the Covid-19, or around 10 percent of the people undergoing test for the novel coronavirus.

According to the epidemiologists, this figure indicates a good control of the epidemic and a completely sufficient number of tests to assess the situation.

Nineteen more patients have recovered in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of people who have recovered after having contracted the novel coronavirus in Albania to 302.

The number of active cases in Albania is declining and only 220 people are active for the virus and data show that the number of those who have recovered is higher and such trend remains unchanged for the past seven days.

A total of 26 patients have so far succumbed to the disease despite efforts of the medical personnel.

Out of the total 35 patients currently being treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, seven are under intensive care.

At the COVID 2 Hospital, eight patients are hospitalized, four of whom are at intensive care unit and in severe health conditions, and four others are at stable condition.

A total of 43 patients are currently being treated at both hospitals.

The map of Covid-19 infected people further expanded in Kurbin, Tirana, Kukes and Fier.

Currently, the geographical distribution of the infected patients across Albania is as follows:

– Tirana                    246 cases

– Durres                   42 cases

– Lushnja                  6 cases

– Elbasan                 16 cases

– Fier                     36 cases

– Kavaja                9 cases

– Rrogozhina        4 cases

– Korça                  19 cases

– Vlora                    5 cases

– Shkodra               94 cases

– Lezha                   14 cases

– Berat                    2 cases

– Has                      13 cases

– Kruja                   11 cases

-Tropoja                 4 cases

– Puka                    5 cases

– Mirdita                3 cases

– Kukes                  11 cases

-Mallakastra          1 case

– Kurbi                   7 cases

Despite the fluctuations in the number of people contracting the virus, the situation is equally under control.

The real indicator is the number of patients hospitalized and their number is stable, less than 15% of the active cases.

In order for the situation to remain under control, it is vitally important that the citizens continue to respect the social distancing measures as the only way to curb the spread of the infection.

It is equally important that measures to curb the spread of the infection are fully respected within the family circle by avoiding visits to the relatives for whatever the reason.

The Ministry of Health appeals citizens to dial the National Emergency Line 127 if they suspect about Covid-19 symptoms. For any question or information about Covid-19, dial green line 0800 40 40.