In Albania COVID-19 cases increase by 53 percent in the last week

 In Albania, last week recorded a record increase in new cases of coronavirus. According to official data from the Ministry of Health, compiled by Voice of America, in the period 13-19 October 1780 cases were confirmed, or 53 percent more than the previous period 6-12 October, capturing a daily average of 254 cases, out of 165 which was the previous average.

In parallel, the tests also marked a significant increase, from 6577 to 9184 tests in the last 7 days, or 39 percent more.

Of concern is the fact that the positivity (ratio between tests and confirmed cases) is high, and last week the average reached 19.3 percent. Positivity, which is an indicator of the level of virus transmission in the community, recorded a progressive increase in the last 4 weeks. In Italy, a country that is returning to restrictions, the level of positivity has fluctuated between 7 and 9 percent in recent days. While in France, where austerity measures have also been taken, this indicator has increased, but not currently exceeding the quota of 14 percent.

Last week also saw an increase in the number of victims, with 30 citizens losing their lives, the highest level since the first week of September. In the last 24 hours, 3 people lost their lives: a 47-year-old from Tirana, a 53-year-old and a 64-year-old from Durrës, with concomitant diseases. From the beginning of the pandemic until now, 454 victims have been recorded in the country.