There are now ten cases of Coronavirus confirmed in Albania.
The government has announced that they are in quarantine and are in a stable condition in Tirana’s main hospital. Following the news, the government has taken a number of decisions that it hopes will contain and prevent the spread of the disease.
All schools will be closed for a period of at least two weeks and flights from northern Italy and ‘red zones’ that are heavily affected by the infection have been cancelled until 3 April. In addition to this, the government has banned all public gatherings, conferences, concerts, sports events, rallies, and other events until at least the same date.
Citizens that have travelled from the “red zones” of affected countries are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. Family members of patients in the hospitals are banned from entering unless a doctor or the hospital directorate specifically allows it.
The health ministry is working to identify those that could be at risk and to provide support for them and there is a ban in place on the export of all medicines and items of medical equipment.
It is important to understand that these are precautionary measures. Albania is not as well equipped as other countries to deal with hundreds of serious cases of Coronavirus. By implementing these rules, the government is trying to limit the spread as much as possible.
Failure to comply with the government stipulated rules could result in charges under the Law on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.
Citizens are advised to keep calm and observe a number of recommendations from the World Health Organisation, as well as the government’s requests. These include:
- Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use alcohol-based hand rub, but soap and water for this amount of time are just as effective.
- Maintain a distance of 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as this can increase the chances of you spreading any germs.
- Make sure you and those around you practice good respiratory hygiene including covering your mouth and nose with the nook of your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of any tissues immediately in a bin.
- Consider cancelling any unnecessary travel within Albania and abroad, just to be safe.
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell- even with mild symptoms such as a headache or slightly runny nose. Just do it.
- If you have fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, contact the government on 127. Do not go out in public, do not go to a hospital, and do not seek advice from your doctor in person. Call the number and follow the advice given.
- Don’t fall foul of fake news and scaremongering. Follow the WHO for regular updates and the Ministry of Health website. There is no need to panic-buy masks/garlic/raki/enough food to get you through the apocalypse as none of these things is going to stop anyone from catching the virus.
- Don’t panic buy. It is always wise to ensure you have a good stock of essentials at home, but you do not need to prepare for the apocalypse. Local suppliers have told the media they have a steady supply of items, are well prepared and are not going to close their stores.
Follow the above guidelines, be sensible, and remain calm.
Exit.al/en will be bringing regular updates on the situation, in English.
Ministry of Health Facebook Page
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