The number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Albania is 10, according to the most recent update from the Ministry of Health. It has been reported that two of the most recent are not connected to those diagnosed yesterday or the day before.
The Albanian government has closed the border with Italy and Minister for Infrastructure Belinda Balluku said that no passengers from Italy will be allowed to enter the country.
As Italy announced a nationwide quarantine due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the government has responded by stopping all entries by land, sea, and air. In a press conference this morning, Ballaku stressed that any Italian companies wishing to retrieve passengers from Albania are welcome to send empty ferries or planes.
She added that the transport of goods and cargo between the two countries will not be affected.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Edi Rama shut down all schools for two weeks and banned all activities including conferences, concerts, gatherings, and sporting events. The Municipality of Tirana has responded by disinfecting all schools and kindergartens, public buses, and public playgrounds. Mayor Erion Veliaj said that while children are not believed to be at significant risk from the disease, they could transmit it to elderly family members.
Earlier today, the Dormitory Administration from the University of Tirana has started closing dormitories in an event to contain the virus.
In Fier, the Municipality has begun to sterilise all common areas as well as schools, kindergartens, parks, roads, squares, and offices where members of the public are present. Spokesperson Arjan Ndreu said that this is the second time since the Coronavirus outbreak that they have undertaken such measures.
Disinfection has also begun in Puka where Municipality employees have been seen disinfecting roads and parks.
The Ministry of Health calls on citizens to remain calm. If anyone thinks they could be infected or is exhibiting signs of the disease, they are asked to remain at home and to call 127 immediately. It is requested that they do not travel to clinics, hospitals, or anywhere in public.
