Albania has banned the use of private vehicles, will close many institutions, and appeals to citizens to stay at home.
This decision takes effect tomorrow.
Due to the coronavirus, the use of all private vehicles will be prohibited in eight Albanian cities. Only state, cargo and ambulance vehicles will drive. The ban applies to the period from 6 a.m. Friday to midnight Sunday.
Roads from Tirana to Durres and other parts of the country will be closed.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the ban could be extended beyond Sunday.
"These extreme measures that limit freedom of movement are necessary to protect all citizens and families, as well as Albania, from the aggressive escalation of the corona virus that is attacking our most loved ones," said Rama.
He said that the virus will attack many citizens and that about 80 percent of those infected will have no symptoms of the disease.
"This means that any of us can be a carrier, even if we do not have symptoms, we are responsible for protecting the elderly and sick people around us, because if we transmit the virus to them, we will give them many problems. Of those who have symptoms, a small number will be sick to the extent that they will need hospitalization because they will experience symptoms of the common flu. Most of those who end up in the hospital are cured, but no one should underestimate the small probability that they or their loved ones may lose their lives," said Rama.
State bodies in Tirana and Durrës will not work tomorrow. Employees at airports and in state institutions must send their information to the police in order to be provided with food.
According to our reader from Durres, most of the shops and cafes in that city are closed, only a few markets are open. Police patrols are circling the city and do not allow gatherings in groups, while people are warned over the loudspeaker to go home and follow the recommendations.
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