For the capital to achieve what is called herd immunity, according to immunologist Genc Sulçebe, at least 70% of citizens in Tirana must be infected with Covid-19. During an interview with Abc News, he said that to reach such a figure takes at least another 3 months and despite this, even then the virus will not disappear, but the number of infections will decrease.
"We have an increase in immunity. Tests are never enough. It is not easy to do mass tests. There have been shortages of tests everywhere. Tracking requires a lot of human resources because it means catching the contacts of people who are sick. It takes a lot. assets and we can not say that it can be realized except in some East Asian countries.
The figure was a surprise. We expected a maximum of 30% and more or less seeing the progress of the epidemic from July until now we saw from 30 to 35%. We have had a constant spread of infection. Herd immunity was thought to be achieved by 60% of the immunized population. This population serves as a protective barrier.
It has been evident in recent months that the infection has increased. If we in Tirana are 50% we must go to 70% to achieve the immunity of the herd. It takes at least another three months. When immunity is achieved the disease does not disappear but passes into an endemic situation. "There is an infection but less than now."
Regarding the vaccine, Prime Minister Rama said that the vaccine is expected to come in January, adding that "we are in discussions with both AstraZeneca and Moderna and I believe that very soon we will finalize the agreement with Pfizer, which is related to the capacities that are in different countrys".
