TIRANA, March 7 /ATA/ – Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Control Infectious Diseases (DEKSI) at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), dr. Silva Bino, told a regular press conference on Saturday that no cases of coronavirus infections have been detected to date in Albania.
Speaking at a press conference as part of daily communication from representatives of the Task Force set up by the Health Minister in the wake of the global outbreak of new coronavirus, Bino said that five suspected coronavirus cases over past 24 hours have tested all negative resulting in no confirmed spread of the virus in Albania.
“Tests for five suspected cases were performed at the Virology Lab at IPH over the past 24 hours and they have tested negative. A total of suspected coronavirus cases have tested all negative for COVID 19,” dr. Silva Bino said.
The Task Force representative noted that all suspected cases have shown symptoms of respiratory infections and have recently traveled to the countries affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“We have expanded the range of tests to check not only individuals showing respiratory symptoms or travel history to the affected countries, but also other suspected cases with symptoms of severe acute respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. The tested cases belong mainly to Tirana 60% of cases, Shkodra, Durres, Fier, Lezha and Vlora,” Bino said, adding that the Public Health Institute has full laboratory capacities to diagnose COVID-19.
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