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The Albanian Ambassador to the United States, Floreta Luli Faber, announces that so far 9 Albanians have been killed of COVID-19, adding that "Unfortunately, the picture is completely different in New York and New Jersey where there are many citizens in serious condition."
Speaking about the alarming situation in the United States, the ambassador stressed that "individuals are treated in hospital only when they are in a very critical condition and have problems with breathing and ventilators are required."
Ambassador's message:
Dear members of the Albanian community in the USA
In the context of the situation created by # COVID-19, Ambassador Floreta Faber held a series of telephone communications with leaders of Organizations and Associations, religious representatives in some countries and with prominent members of the Albanian-American community. In the process of informing as much as possible about the situation and the health condition of the community members, the representatives have confirmed that so far, from the available information there is no progress in cases positively tested with COVID-19 in the respective state.
Unfortunately the picture is quite different in New York and New Jersey where there are quite a few citizens in aggravated condition. At least nine members of the Albanian community have lost their lives, three from Albania, four from North Macedonia and two from Montenegro. The ambassador finds the opportunity to express her condolences to the families and relatives of the victims. Over thirty members of our community have been identified at various stages of the disease. Some of them were contacted directly on the phone, who informed that the symptoms of the disease are severe, but thankfully passable at home. Based on the information, individuals are treated in the hospital only when they are in a very critical condition and have breathing problems and is required their support with respirators.
It is a pleasure to see that the Albanian-American community from all over the United States has organized groups of volunteers to help members of the community who, due to their age, find it impossible to meet their daily needs. In some cases, communities have organized fundraisers that could be used in the coming weeks. Particularly commendable is the work of religious communities that are helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of individuals or families in these difficult times.
The Ambassador thanked the representatives for the information and for the solidarity in helping other members of the community and asked for the maintenance of communications with the Embassy in this difficult situation.
From the conversations we learned that a large part of the community has also lost their jobs. The Embassy urges community members to be mindful of the guidelines provided by the respective states to benefit from the financial assistance provided by the US state. The embassy itself will try to summarize this information and provide it in Albanian and provide the addresses where you should go to each country.
In the coming days we will continue with daily contacts with other members of the community in other countries where there is a high concentration of the Albanian community. The ambassador has already spoken with representatives in several cities in New York, Michigan, Texas, Washington, California, Florida and Philadelphia. If the representatives of the associations who want to communicate with the Ambassador or the embassy staff, for questions or to share information on the community situation in their city, please write to us at the embassy.washington@mfa.gov.al and we will we count immediately.
Show as much care for yourself, your family and the community around you!