Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu said that wearing a mask is the ‘most effective tool’ to fight COVID-19.
In a public speech with the anti-Covid task force, Manastiruliu said:
“The mask is the most effective tool and where it has been used continuously it has brought about a reduction in the number of infected, accompanied by social distancing and personal hygiene measures.”
Manastirliu appealed to citizens to be aware of the placement of masks because the government does not want a second total closure and is trying to avoid it.
She stressed that the collapse of the medical system should be avoided at all costs, as today doctors are tired and are continuing to make daily sacrifices.
The Minister said that she is taking measures for the necessary capacities to cope with the autumn-winter season when there is expected to be an increase in the number of infected people and those who need hospitalization:
“The other two structures [Covid hospitals 3 and 4] are prepared to provide services if the first two hospitals exceed capacity.In all three scenarios, we include regional hospitals in our strategy, to provide more services to the infected in the districts.”
Deputy Health Minister Mirra Rakacolli echoed her sentiments during an interview with Top Channel this morning. She said that the government is trying to prevent a second lockdown. Experts are considering several indicators and involving all institutions to fight the virus and prevent the need for such an occurrence.
“Of course it’s something we are trying very hard to prevent but it’s a problem we have to discuss a lot.”
Some of the indicators that will be considered before a decision on lockdown are taken include the number of deaths and the number of those in intensive care. This combined with an “in-depth analysis of the numbers will lead us to make a decision,” she said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that a second lockdown “will kill us” and “will be devastating for our families and for the economy as a whole.” He said that this is why masks have now become mandatory.
“This is not a game, it’s not ordinary flu.”
There are currently 6,729 active cases of the virus in Albania. 259 are hospitalised, 22 are in intensive care and four are intubated.
