Albania: Authorities to tighten COVID-19 restrictions and introduce nightly curfew from November 11 /update 17

Event

Authorities will introduce tighter coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions across the country from Wednesday, November 11, until December 2, including introducing a nightly curfew. The decision to introduce the stricter measures comes due to an increase in COVID-19 infection rates.

A nightly curfew will run between 22:00-06:00 (local time); during curfew hours individuals will only be permitted to leave their homes for essential work and emergencies. In addition, all bars, restaurants, and cafes will only be open for delivery services. Officials also recommended smart working for public administration employees if possible.

Face masks remain mandatory for individuals in all outdoor and public indoor spaces. Those found to be violating the measures may be fined. Public transportation is operating in the capital Tirana. Large gatherings remain prohibited and social distancing and hygiene measures must continue to be observed when using public transportation and while in outdoor spaces. Most entertainment and cultural facilities remain closed, though other non-essential businesses have reopened. Employees are required to wear face masks and ensure social distancing is observed in offices and work establishments.

Land borders are open and international flights are operating, without the need for arriving travelers to quarantine.

As of November 9, there have been 24,731 COVID-19 cases and 571 associated facilities in Albania. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected.

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.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.