It’s been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. On March 9, 2020, Albania reported its first two cases of Covid-19.
Two people, a 54-year-old man, and his 28-year-old son coming from Italy by car tested positive. They were treated and hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Mother Teresa Hospital (QSUT).
After the first two cases, Albania immediately suspended flights to affected cities in northern Italy.
By 13 March, the number of cases had reached 33 and Albania closed its borders with Kosovo along with Italy and Greece. The same day, the government banned the movement of all private vehicles and the police and army were on the streets ensuring adherence with the rules.
By 21 March, Armed Forces including armored vehicles and soldiers with guns were patrolling the streets of Tirana. Waves of new restrictions were announced including limitations on when people could go out and why. Other restrictions included only one person per household being allowed out and lockdowns that lasted from Friday night until Monday morning. Albania had some of the toughest restrictions in Europe and was in lockdown for around two months.
Schools were closed and students were forced to attend online lessons. This was difficult for up to 153,000 families who do not have internet access or adequate devices to facilitate online learning. Gyms, sports activities, cafes, and shopping centers were closed and the country’s tourism industry took a big hit. While there were international visitors during the summer, they were nowhere near the amount that was expected by tourism operators. Many businesses went bankrupt, thousands became unemployed, and the economy slipped into a recession.
As a result, the number of infections remained low and it seemed that the pandemic was somewhat under control. But as the country began to open up, the number of infections increased. Schools and kindergartens were reopened as the government said they were not hotbeds of infection. Universities announced that all tuition would be done online. Teaching in high schools was to be done in shifts-some in person and some online. Cafes and businesses were allowed to reopen but had to enforce strict hygiene protocols.
The biggest jump in numbers came at the end of October and the beginning of November here the number of cases per day almost doubled. Masks became mandatory in all public places, taxis, government buildings, and gatherings of more than ten people were banned. Curfews between the hour of 22:30 and 6:00 were introduced for all cars and pedestrians, except for delivery vehicles and emergencies.
Meanwhile, the number of cases reached a peak of over 800 a day. This lead to significant capacity in the specialist COVID-19 hospitals. A total of four specialist facilities have been opened in Tirana as well as some regional centers.
During the pandemic, a total of five people committed suicide while in the care of state COVID-19 hospitals. The government came under fire for not providing adequate mental health treatment for patients suffering from the virus.
The Albanian government was also criticized for its testing strategy. With some of the lowest testing rates, it became clear that the real rates of infection were significantly higher. Patients were treated at home and facing costly medical bills, requested the government pay them. Finally, the government announced it would reimburse some medicines used to treat the virus at home.
Exit reported on several cases where testing was refused. Additionally, the Opposition accused the government of manipulating the number of deaths it reported to underplay their mismanagement of the crisis. It later came to light via data from INSTAT that there were some 6000 more deaths than normal in 2020 when compared to the average over the previous five years. The government, however, only declared around 1300 by the end of the year.
In the first three months of 2021, the number of cases increased significantly. January and February registered almost half of all infections since the beginning of the pandemic.
Active cases of patients have increased by about 50% during January-February, while the ratio between positive cases and tests performed is one of the highest in the world.
Albania has the second-highest increase in the region for the average daily cases and the highest death rate per million when compared to Italy, Britain, and Germany. Another matter which is also concerning is the decrease in the age of those impacted.
Today, one year later, few restrictions are in place and even fewer are observed.
Schools in big cities are teaching online along with Universities. Masks and social distancing are required in all public places and a curfew is in place between 20:00 and 06:00. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned and flights to the UK are suspended. Travelers coming from Britain must quarantine for two weeks.
One year after the COVID-19 outbreak began, the country has an average of 1000 confirmed cases of infection per day. The number of infected has reached 113,580 in total. There are 35,737 active cases and 1,956 people have officially died from the virus.
The vaccinating of doctors, nurses, and persons over the age of 85 have started but Albania is still a long way from securing enough vaccinations for the population.
