Albania has recorded almost 300 new coronavirus cases in 24-hours, marking its highest single-day count since the start of the outbreak. Health Ministry reported 295 new confirmed Covid-19 cases on Monday surpassing the previous daily record.

The figures were released while government made compulsory wearing face masks everywhere outdoors despite huge debate.

Albania had a difficult week this October as death toll reached 454 while 17.350 people have tested positive so far.

The number of patients in intensive care the the two Covid-29 hospitals in the country has also been rising in recent days. Health Ministry informed that actually 259 people are hospitalized, 22 of them are at intensive therapy and four of them have been put on ventilators.

On the bright side, the Ministry of Health reported that 96 citizens have recuperated from the disease, bringing to 10,167 the number of cured in Albania since the beginning of the epidemic.

Areas stricken the heaviest by the coronavirus outburst were Tirana 74 new cases, followed by Durres with 39 infections, Shkodra with 30 and Lushnja 22 new cases. The Ministry of Health also revealed that cities like Devoll, Kavaja, Mirdita, Rrogozhina, Mallakastra or Librazhd had the lowest infection rates, with 1 case each.

“Positive cases confirmed in the last 24 hours have been identified in these municipalities: 74 affected in Tirana, 39 affected in Durres, 30 cases in Shkodra, 22 cases in Lushnja, 12 cases in Vlora, 11 cases in Fier and Pogradec, 10 cases in Kruja and Berat, 9 cases in Elbasan and Lezha, 7 cases in Gjirokastra, 6 cases in Kurbin, 5 cases in Divjaka, 4 cases in Kukës, Tropoja, Prrenjas, Skrapar, 3 cases in Saranda, Gramsh, Kuçova, 2 cases in Has and Shijak, 1 case in Fushë-Arrëz, Devoll, Kavaja, Mirdita, Rrogozhina, Mallakastra, Librazhd, Mat, Përmet, Roskovec, Klos”, informed the Health Ministry.

Unfortunately, a 47-year-old from Tirana, a 53-year-old and a 64-year-old from Durrës, with underlying health issues have passed away due to the virus. Currently, the Infectious Diseases Hospital and "Shefqet Ndroqi" Hospital have 259 patients who are being treated, 22 are in intensive care and 4 of the latter are intubated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection urges people to be careful with the observance of the rules because negligence favors the spread of the virus, which is affecting all ages, without distinction.