Visits to Albania have resumed since March. After months away, it has been possible to visit safely, by even complying with the regulations, the friends who are guests of the "sheltered houses" in Kavaje and Elbasan; those in the "Red Houses" in Tirana, and even the patients that have been hospitalised in the "Sadik Dinci" psychiatric hospital, which is the largest in the Balkans.
In Albania, despite an initial phase in which the virus was partially contained and kept under control, since November 2020, there has been a worrisome increment in infections that has made and is making the pandemic management complicated.
During this long winter of isolation, web-based contacts have been maintained such as online meetings, video calls with the house guests (who are fortunately all in good health), and online training for the staff on the Covid management.
There was an expectation and even a bit of emotion at seeing each other again. "We were never lonely" was the greeting with which people from Genoa and Rome were welcomed. "You are the friends who love, see, think and respect you".
There were many meetings: with young people, the elderly, and - thanks to a special permit - with patients that have been hospitalized at the psychiatric hospital in Elbasan, which has been closed to visitors for months. Fortunately, these patients are now allowed to meet safely with friends with whom there is a long-standing bond.
