Albania: Authorities expand Green Zones to include most municipalities May 11 /update 11

Event

Albanian authorities announced that the country's Green Zones will be expanded to include all municipalities from Monday, May 11, except for Tirana, Shkodër, Krujë, Durrës, Kurbin, Kamëz, and Fier, which are classified as Red Zones due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. As of Sunday, April 26, the government has labeled municipalities as Green or Red Zones depending on the spread of COVID-19 in the area.

In Red Zones, residents are permitted leave their homes for two hours between the hours of 05:00 and 17:30 (local time) to visit shops, banks, and pharmacies after receiving permission via an app. In Green Zones, individuals may leave their homes from 09:30 to 17:30 with only one other person accompanying them. Pensioners are allowed in public from 06:00 to 08:30. Cars may be driven from 09:30 to 17:30 without a permit, but with a maximum of one passenger and within their respective municipality. Some businesses, such as apparel, furniture, electronics, sports equipment, and taxi services may resume from Monday, April 27, but must implement health guidelines stipulated by authorities.

A state of emergency is in effect until Tuesday, June 23, and Albania's sea and land borders remain closed to commercial travel.

As of May 11, there are 872 cases of COVID-19 in Albania, including 31 associated deaths. The country reported its lowest single day increase in the last eight weeks, recording four new COVID-19 cases on Monday. Further international 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.