The epidemiological situation appears currently stable with an obvious decrease in the new COVID-19 cases compared to the total number of tests in Albania.

The last week’s incidence rate of the new cases confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus stood at 4.3 %, the lowest recorded since the virus outbreak in early March, showing that the strict lockdown measures, testing and on time tracing of the suspected cases and their contacts have all delivered significant success in preventing the spread of the infection.

Tests were conducted on the samples of 140 individuals, out of which only eight new Covid-19 cases were confirmed, respectively five cases in Tirana, two in Elbasan and one new case in Durres. Epidemiological investigation is underway to track down contacts of the confirmed cases.

A total of 803 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since its outbreak and 68% of them have already recovered. Currently Albania records a total of 229 active cases.

Most of the cases are asymptomatic and are being monitored by the family doctors, whereas a total of 34 patients are being treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital and the ‘COVID 2’ Hospital, seven of whom are in intensive care.

As you have been already informed, new relaxed measures entered into force today with more regions across the country joining the so-called list of green zones classified as low-risk areas for the infection transmission. Taxi services are now permitted to drive but only between towns and only with two passengers from the same family, the repatriated citizens from the red zones can observe the 14-day self-quarantine in their own houses.

With the lockdown measures gradually easing, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection urges citizens to strictly abide by the instructions from the health authorities about social and physical distancing rules and personal hygiene, and calls on businesses to rigorously comply with the safety protocols.

The Ministry of Health appeals citizens to dial the National Emergency Line 127 if they suspect about Covid-19 symptoms.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has also made available the green line 0800-40-40, offering psychological counselling to help the citizens with physical, emotional and other mental health-related concerns.

Currently, the geographical distribution of the active Covid-19 cases in Albania is as follows:

Tirana            93

Kruja              87

Shkodra        17

Kurbin        14

Kukes          5

Elbasan       4

Mirdita       2

Berat           2

Durres         1

Korça           1

Lezha           1

Lushnja        1

Mat              1