Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu said that in the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, 567,000 people will be vaccinated.
She explained that Albania, along with 80 other countries will receive the certified and tested coronavirus vaccine when it’s ready. She added the government is ready to pay for it when the time comes and that citizens will be given it for free. She made the comments during an interview with Sokol Balla on News24 last night.
When asked about the increase in infections following the reopening of schools, she said there is no increase in the number of infections this month, that security protocols have been implemented and that “the epidemic is evolving.” This question was in reference to the 65-plus cases of the virus confirmed in teachers in the last week.
Yesterday the Union of Healthcare workers announced a protest to raise awareness on their situation during the pandemic. They will protest today in front of the main hospital to ask for more support from the government, President and opposition.
Police said they will not allow the protest to go ahead due to COVID-19 protocols and Prime Minister Edi Rama invited them to a meeting. Their demands include medical staff that die from the virus being declared national martyrs, provision of life insurance, an increase in salaries, and better working conditions.
To date, three Albanian doctors have lost their lives to the virus.
Both Rama and leader of the opposition Lulzim Basha have promised an increase in health workers salaries.
When asked about the protest, Manastriliu said her door is open for any health worker to engage in dialogue and that she would discuss their demands
Most countries that have opened schools have noted an increase, even if slight, in the number of COVID-19 cases. In the US, some states have returned to online learning or given parents the choice.
