Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu announced that the government will double the number of COVID-19 testings in September as a way to prevent the mass spread of the virus during winter.

“As of September, testing capacities will be doubled as well as field experts, the necessary infrastructure and laboratory capacities,” said Minister Manastirliu.

This statement was made during a presentation of the testing strategy, tracking and increasing laboratory capacity in cooperation with private labs.

“We are making every effort to respond to situation expected in autumn and winter. Not only will we increase capacities in some public laboratories in the country, but we will also be in close cooperation with the non-public sector,” she further stated.

During the conference, Minister Manastirliu also stated that the Albanian government has decided to increase funding to carry out free vaccination for all vulnerable groups in the country.

“Part of the autumn-winter strategy is the multiplication of free flu vaccines, to cover all at-risk groups, determined by IPH experts, ranging from health personnel, to the elderly, educators, teachers, children 2-5 years old, etc., with the free flu vaccine,” declared the Minister.