From: Alice Elizabeth Taylor
Coronavirus: Police Shut Down 522 Venues across Albania to Combat Spread of Infection

The number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Albania remains at 10 at the time of writing. In order to combat the spread, the government has continued taking a number of strong measures.

The Socialist Party has cancelled all party meetings until 3 April. Municipalities in Tirana, Elbasan, Shkodra, Fier, Durres, and Puka have continued to disinfect public spaces including parks and squares.

Following yesterday’s announcement that bars, gyms, discos and venues with live music would have to close, a total of 522 were shut down across the country as of last night. For the time being, ordinary bars and restaurants are allowed to remain open but tables must be a minimum of 1 metre or 2 metres respectively, apart.

The police will be supervising the implementation of Coronavirus measures and have said action can and will be taken against those that flout the rules.

The Ministry of Health has asked citizens to remain at home and not go out to prevent the continued spread of the infection.

Schools have also been closed and today children will start some lessons from home. The borders with Italy have also been closed and will remain so until at least April 3.

Meanwhile, the first instance of the virus has been confirmed in Turkey. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca urged citizens not to go abroad unnecessarily and to comply with virus protection guidelines. 

Kosovo remains the only country in the region that does not have any confirmed cases of Coronavirus. The National Institute of Public Health said that the last five patients tested came back negative. Public officials have taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including setting up a Coronavirus Situation Management Committee to review the countries preparedness.