The General Director of State Police, Ardi Veliu has called on people in Albania to closely implement the COVID-19 protocols.
Given the significant increase in the number of confirmed cases, Veliu stated that police on the ground should intensify checks and monitor squares, boulevards, and public areas, showing zero tolerance to those who do not respect the rules.
“Every day we are monitoring the measures, but the situation is getting worse. We have tried to sensitize and make citizens understand us but the rising numbers and the latest wave, both in Europe and here, forces us to act against anyone who breaks the rules,” he said in a statement.
He added:
“I take this opportunity to call on all citizens as well businesses, to understand that the State Police will continue to seriously punish any citizens who do not respect the rules. I call on citizens to be cooperative with police officers because this is not just a request from the police, it is a good that will serve the whole community and every citizen.”
For the last few days, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 1000, with a new record-high being set almost every day. It’s worth noting that the number of tests being carried out by the government remains low so it’s safe to assume that the actual rate of infection is even higher.
Yesterday, 1124 cases were confirmed, bringing the total since the pandemic started to 85,336 registered cases.
The reported death toll is 1460.
As Exit reported previously, there was an increase in the number of deaths in 2020 by 27% when compared to previous years. Data provided y the Directorate of Civil Status reported som 28,000 deaths in 200 when compared to an average of 22,000 each year between 2015 and 2019.
Albania does not have any agreements in place to provide enough vaccinations for the whole population. While an agreement is in place with Pfizer for the delivery of 500,000 vaccines, this would only vaccinate 250,000 people, or less than 10% of the population. It is not known when this delivery will be fulfilled.
Currently, Serbia is leading the way in terms of vaccinations in the region. They are using a combination of Pfizer, Sinofarm, and Sputnik vaccines.
