There have been no officially confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Albania. Experts have found no evidence of this mutation spreading in our country based on the data so far. The Institute of Public Health, on the other hand, has enhanced its readiness because the risk of infiltration is considerable due to its proximity to Italy and other European nations.
“We haven’t officially confirmed Omicron but the danger is real. We’re taking precautions and stepping up our vigilance by using PCR and molecular detection of the virus to check if we have any suspicions, which are then validated by genetic sequences.
“The clinical indications of the Omicron variation, according to the evidence so far, are similar to those of other mutations. Even though the evidence is insufficient, Silva Bino, the head of infectious diseases at the Public Health Inspectorate, explains why this mutation is troubling the world.
“We’ve noticed that we have limited clinical data, and the disease’s significance hasn’t increased. Of course, as the number of patients rises, we may see more severe forms of the disease, and there is evidence of high transmissibility. It’s still unclear whether it destroys natural immunity and the risk of reinfection is too high, and it’s also unclear whether the virus suppresses the vaccine’s immune response, which we don’t know about yet.”
While several governments across the world are reintroducing limitations, Bino is concerned about the Albanian people’s noncompliance with the measures. Because this winter will be severe, the technical committee’s expert urges responsible institutions, residents, and enterprises to implement anti-Covid measures.
Bino stresses the necessity of vaccination, particularly during this time. Citizens are urged to take both anti-Covid doses and to receive the boosting dose if they have already gone through this process.