Minister of health Ogerta Manastirliu said during Thursday’s plenary session that the COVID-19 situation in Albania remains “serious”, while appealing for “greater awareness from citizens” by respecting the rules, as the healthcare system may not withstand the influx of new cases.

During her word, Manastirliu blamed the increase of daily cases to “citizen’s negligence” and appealed to the public to respect security protocol.

“Let’s not overburden the healthcare system, because our system isn’t one that has been invested for years and years which would enable us to handle a large influx. We have only invested in it for the past 7 years, and the system is too delicate to face what may be coming in its way, not because of unpreparedness and lack of commitment from the government’s part, but from what may come from the negligence of our citizens and disregarding security protocol”, said minister Manastirliu as she called on citizens to wear masks.

During her word, Manastirliu did not address the backlash for a lack of testing but said that the government has increased hospital capacities, amid distrust and critiques.

“Not so long ago, when the Prime Minister and I, inaugurated the new hospital and added 100 beds for treating patients with COVID-19, we were asked: ‘why is this being done, the virus is gone’. And there are still people among us saying that COVID-19 doesn’t exist. If you do not believe, go to the Infective Diseases hospital where there are currently 6 patients on mechanical breathing at the age of 40. This is not a game! Whoever thinks it is a game or some sort of conspiracy is putting us all at risk. This situation must be taken seriously”, said Manastirliu.

On Thursday, the parliament ratified Normative Act 127. Under this law, enterprises who fail to abide to COVID-19 protocol measures will get a 700,000 ALL fine (approximately €5,500), while if they are caught violating the rules again they risk taking away their license.