TIRANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Albanian authorities announced on Saturday the reopening of low-risk businesses starting from Monday, after more than four weeks of lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The detailed list of the businesses allowed to reopen and start operating next week was published in the governmental online platform e-albania.
Low-risk businesses including retail shops, furniture stores, production companies, as well as businesses selling flowers, jewelry and children's toys, will reopen every day from 5 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. local time.
However, the reopening will be accompanied by strict rules to avoid further spread of the coronavirus in the community. On Saturday, the Institute of Public Health published a guideline recommending employers to take the necessary measures to limit the virus spread and reduce the transmission of infection among employees.
High-risk businesses that will remain closed include hair beauty salons, gyms, and businesses that provide education and entertainment activities. Intercity passenger transport, as well as air and sea transport of passengers, is also prohibited.
The last to reopen will be restaurants that do not offer delivery services and coffee bars.
Also on Saturday, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced via a Facebook post that all mothers with their children below 10 years of age will be allowed to leave home for a walk, starting on Sunday.
On Saturday, health authorities reported nine new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 548, with 302 recoveries and 26 fatalities. Enditem
