Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the indoor service for bars and restaurants will be allowed soon as the weather does not favour anymore the use of outdoor spaces.

The decision will be taken despite pandemic, which was the reason that it was banned so far to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Albanian Premier gave the news from Vlora where he is preparing to run again for another mandate as Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party. Rama said that the Ministry of Health will give further instructions for the premises which will have the opportunity to work inside, as weather is cooling and citizens will find it impossible to stay outside.

"Today the Ministry of Health will announce the resumption of indoor services for bars and restaurants, as the cold weather is approaching. Respect the measures, do not joke about Covid-19. Be well and healthy,” said Rama.

Since Albania’s “patient zero” was discovered, the government put in place one of the harshest lockdown regimes, prompted by the country’s close proximity to Italy, which was the European epicenter of the pandemic. It imposed strict quarantine measures throughout the country, gradually ramping these up still further over the next few weeks. Schools, bars and restaurants were closed, leaving only supermarkets and pharmacies open. 

Public transport was suspended and people had to apply for special permission to use their own cars. On 15 March, Albania declared all its land borders closed until further notice. The police and army have been patrolling the streets, monitoring compliance with the new rules. 

Since April 18, Albania has relaxed coronavirus restrictions amid calls from authorities to respect measures in place.