The Albanian government has started to deliver food to people affected by the November earthquake that are currently living in tents, elderly people living alone, and families in need.
Prime Minister Rama announced the program yesterday, which is being coordinated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Arrangements and the distribution of aid started today.
On Tuesday, members of the Roma community in Tirana broke the self-quarantine to demand aid in food and rent subsidies from the government.
They told Ora News that they make their living out of gathering cans and scrap metal, and that the 6pm curfew leaves them in need of financial help from authorities.
Measures against the spread of coronavirus has put a stop to their work and removed the community’s only source of income. The protesters said they now had to choose between their livelihoods and their health.
They also complained that they live in conditions that may be especially dangerous for the spread of COVID-19, as they lack masks, hand sanitizer, soap, disinfectants, or bathing facilities.
“The Prime Minister should have thought about this,” one member of the community said.
