The police and the army set up a total of 70 checkpoints throughout the country to check on whether people are complying with self-quarantine requirements. Those who are stopped are required to show ID, and police check names on their trafficking information management system to confirm who has travelled from Italy and Greece to Albania since 27 February. Police accompanied to their homes anyone found to be violating the mandatory two-week self-quarantine and ordered them to comply.
Police in other parts of the country, including Fier, are stopping vehicles that have foreign number plates. The city has also closed most bars and cafes.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that violators of self-quarantine would be fined up to €5000. It’s not clear whether such government decision has officially entered into force.
All public transport in Tirana and Durres has been suspended indefinitely and all cafes, bars and restaurants have been shut. There is a ban on large gatherings, conferences, sporting events and meetings. Gyms and government offices with public-facing counters are closed.
All citizens have been asked to remain inside unless it’s an emergency and travel is advised against. Last night, police vehicles played messages through a loudspeaker telling citizens to go inside.
People were escorted from the Lake Park in Tirana yesterday afternoon by police who asked them to return home.
Yesterday saw the first death from Coronavirus in Albania, a 73-year-old woman from Durres. There are currently 14 cases in the country.
