TIRANA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian government has decided to re-impose the closure of all night clubs, pubs, discos and lounge bars, as coronavirus cases in the country continue increasing, Minister of Health and Social Protection Ogerta Manastirliu told a press conference on Monday.
According to Manastirliu, the decision comes after the observation that crowded clubs and lounge bars have turned into coronavirus hotspots, as young people gather there especially during the weekend.
The minister said that young people are showing indifference by challenging the rules and health protocols set by the authorities.
"The government has decided today to stop this challenge to the rules set to curb the pandemic, in order to reduce the number of infections, protect the citizens' health and the lives of the weakest among us," the minister said.
According to the government's decision, as of Monday the Normative Act enters into force, which bans opening of night clubs, discos, lounge bars which have indoor or outdoor spaces, except restaurants.
Businesses that fail to comply with this obligation will get a fine of 3 million Albanian lek (around 27,630 U.S. dollars) and suspension of activity for a period of one year.
The government also decided to ban music in every business activity after 8 p.m. local time, adding that the failure to comply with this obligation will be punished with a fine of 1 million Albanian lek (around 9,200 U.S. dollars) and in case of repetition, with suspension of the activity for a period of six months.
Albania continues to record increases in COVID-19 cases. Currently, according to health authorities, a total of 123 patients are being treated in two COVID hospitals in the capital city Tirana, and 113 citizens have lost the battle with the disease.
On Monday, health authorities reported 81 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 4,171.
The government allowed the reopening of bars, pubs and nightclubs only in open spaces in mid-May after a period of about two months of lockdown. Enditem
