Albania recorded this Friday its worst day of new infections since the coronavirus pandemic as 289 new cases were reported during the last 24-hours. 

The number of infections indicated that the country was not only failing to contain the coronavirus, but also that the caseload was worsening. The resurgence is concentrated largely in the capital, Tirana and in the cities of Durresi, Fier, Korce and Shkoder.

The cities of Tirana, Durresi and Fier reported their highest single-day totals on Friday, but case numbers have been rising during the week. The tally of new cases, showed that the outbreak was stronger than ever this week as Albania allowed schools reopening a month ago. 

The elevated numbers are a result of worsening conditions across much of the country, as well as increased testing as only the past 24-hours 1400 people were tested for Covidd-19.

Health Ministry reported that 289 of them tested positive of the novel virus with the biggest surge in Tirana with 113 cases. 

This number breaks the Thursday's record high of COVID-19 cases registered in a day by 31. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 16,501 citizens have resulted positive for the virus. On the bright side, 93 more citizens recovered from coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the overall number of people who have been cleared of the virus to 9,957.

Presently the Infectious Disease Hospital and the COVID2 ‘Shefqet Ndroqi’ Hospital provide treatment to 255 patients, 21 of whom are in intensive care and 5 have been put on ventilators. Health Ministry added that four more people have lost the battle with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. A 37-years-old man from Korca without other underlying health issues, a 81-years-old man from Tirana, a 85-years-old-man from Fier and a 52-years-old woman from Mirdita have passed away. The coronavirus death toll in Albania has risen to 443. Health Ministry appealed to citizens to keep their masks even outdoors so to minimize the spread of the infection.

Currently there are 6101 active COVID-19 cases across the country.