Albania: Authorities extend state of emergency until June 23 /update 10

Event

Albanian authorities announced an extension to the state of emergency through June 23 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Parliament stated on Thursday, April 23, that the rights to movement, gatherings, and work guaranteed by the constitution would be limited to an extent considered necessary for achieving the protection of people's health. As of Thursday, April 30, Albania's sea and land borders remain closed to commercial travel.

Curfew hours during weekdays and extended weekend lockdown restrictions were eased on Monday, April 13. During weekdays, individuals can leave their homes for 90 minutes between the hours of 05:00 and 17:30 (local time) to visit shops, banks, and pharmacies after receiving permission via an app. Permission to go shopping is granted to one person per household for two hours per day, with authorization from the Albanian Police. The lockdown is extended from Friday evening to Monday morning.

Additionally, drones are being used by the police to spot anyone leaving their homes during lockdown hours. Anyone found in violation of the above measures may be fined EUR 16,000.

As of Thursday, April 30, 766 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Albania, as well as 30 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.