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| Raul Gonzales in the screen and Muhamed Veliu on his back (screenshot) |
Should the Albanian government facilitate the preventive measures that are in force so far?
This is a very delicate decision. What we can say is that the measures of closing at home is effective and have produced good result. Some countries in Europe are asking the same question. I can tell you that I would like to encourage countries to take blocking measures as long as possible. This is what we have certainly seen working. Any kind of mitigation of these measures should be studied very, very, very carefully, the calculations should be well taken into account and the effects that mitigation will bring. We see the distance protection measures in Albania as in the rest of the world. Any measures addressed in order to mitigate should be considered with great care with a focus on their impact, of course thinking exclusively about not worsening the economic situation in the country. There should be no other reasons than those that do not make the economy worse. Any kind of unintentional easing of measures can lead to an increase in positive cases with Covid19 and consequently an increase in the loss of other lives.
Mr. Gonzales, Albania has entered the 5th week with Covid19. What is your assessment of the situation?
I can say that we can be optimistic about the situation in Albania. Just as we can be positive if we look at what is happening in other European countries. Things with the infection in Albania Covid19 are going well if we look at the official data we have 377 positive cases and 21 dead and since I am being given the opportunity I want to express my condolences to the families. The figures we have in your country are good.
337 positive cases, 21 dead and 116 recovered. What do such figures tell us?
These figures tell us one thing. The measures implemented by the government since the beginning of the first cases have been successful and have had an impact on keeping low the number of those affected. According to a study by our figures, if the government had not acted in time we would have had completely different figures. This is the first lesson we have learned. Total closure is effective.
How do you see the number of those who lost their lives per 1 million inhabitants compared to the region?
The number of those who have lost their lives is an indicator that is very valuable to us as we understand the number of infected. The data on the loss of life in Albania tell us two things. First, the number of those affected is low and the situation in the population is under control. The number of 21 lost lives that is definitely painful for those who lost loved ones but if we analyze it at the national level for your whole country, in the long run, is a number that shows us that things are going well.
Is the current testing strategy being followed appropriately according to WHO advice or does it need improvements?
Each country needs to develop its own testing policies, and this is related to many things, such as the level of transmission of the virus as well as the availability of tests. All countries in the world are looking to provide tests. Some countries may provide some others are in the process of purchasing procedures. Having said that, we encourage testing policies to better understand what is going on and to make the right decisions. There are countries that are expanding their testing policies, but we need to consider the possibility of finding tests in international markets. We are aware of the fact that the Albanian government is making every effort to have more tests and we are helping with this. There is a huge demand in the international market for this test.