The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ogerta Manastirliu said that all countries, including Albania, are concerned about the spread of the Omicron variant, while calling for vaccination against Covid-19. 

Manastirliu said that the Institute of Public Health will send samples for analysis to see later if this variant has circulated or is circulating in the country. 

"The Institute of Public Health is working to prepare the samples according to the ECDC protocols, to take them to be analysed and to continue the sequencing of these samples. In order for us all to do the necessary mapping to assess whether the Omicron variant is circulating in our country and of course what is most important is to increase vigilance.

We are making a detailed assessment of all the current measures we have in the fight against Covid-19, starting from the existing measures of circulation, of course distancing, masks indoors. These are very important elements that must continue to be implemented by all citizens, as this is a battle which is won only if the citizens and the authorities are together in implementing these simple measures. Certainly continuing with the increase of vaccine coverage and vaccination either with the first doses, or by being fully vaccinated with the second dose, or to make the boosting vaccine or the third dose," said Manastirliu.