TIRANA, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Institute of Public Health (IPH) in Albania has over 90,000 COVID-19 tests available and the government will continue to strengthen the laboratory capacity, Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu declared here on Tuesday.
The minister made this statement during a visit at the IPH premises regarding the installation of a new testing device, which, according to Manastirliu, will strengthen the laboratory capacities in the country.
"Over 90,000 tests are available at the IPH and we will continue to strengthen the laboratory capacity through the number of tests, laboratory kits, as well as by strengthening the laboratory with new equipment in order to cope with what may come tomorrow," she said.
The minister declared that the strategy set by health experts in Albania, which focuses on testing and epidemiological investigation, has been successful so far.
"What is important is that we have a plan, we have a strategy to strengthen the IPH laboratory, but also to strengthen the laboratory of "Mother Teresa" Hospital in Tirana. We also have a longer-term plan in relation to testing, tracing and epidemiological investigation," she added.
The minister announced that a second laboratory for molecular testing will be soon put at work at "Mother Teresa" Hospital.
Manastirliu also called on citizens to be cooperative in the fight against coronavirus and to respect preventive measures as much as possible.
On Tuesday, health authorities reported 74 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 3,038, with 1,744 recoveries and 81 fatalities. Enditem
