Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu has described the pandemic spread in Albania as “critical”, and announced that work is underway to open the fourth hospital dedicated to infected patients.
“The epidemic situation in the country is critical, delicate, and our whole focus is on the strict implementation of the protocols,” Manastirliu told journalists at a press conference on Sunday.
She explained that a fourth hospital will open in Tirana when necessary, and that the government has also prepared a plan to open regional hospitals dedicated to coronavirus patients.
Manastirliu noted the increasing number of victims and new cases in recent weeks, with an overall 901 positive cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. The minister added that this is lower than the average 1,454 positive cases per 100 thousand inhabitants in the region, and that the government has the situation under control.
With 612 deaths, the average death toll in Albania is 26 per 1 million, she explained, which is lower than the region average of 31.5.
She announced the government order for 300 thousand quick test kits through the European Union.
Increasing the number of tests and opening regional hospitals have been among the repeated calls of the Albanian opposition since early autumn.
