The new rules for entering and exiting the country will neither start tomorrow, nor the day after. We will give a reasonable notice – we will announce tomorrow whether that will be in one week or ten days. We have in consideration that many of our citizens are on vacation, and others are yet to leave. We do not want to cause additional financial costs, said yesterday Minister of Health Venko Filipce.
In a guest appearance on TV Sitel, Filipce explained that both foreign nationals and ours will need to submit a PCR test not older than 72 hours, a certificate that they have recovered 45 days old, or a certificate of vaccination. The mandatory PCR test will not apply to children.
Filipce repeated that vaccination is the only mechanism for overcoming the corona crisis. With two doses, he stressed, the risk of death if someone gets infected is reduced 20 times.
– There is evidence that the vaccine gives results, its efficiency is also proven. In a million applied doses, there have been no more serious side-effects, except for the usual redness or fever. The numbers of vaccinated are measured in per mil, also the newly diagnosed and infected, said the Minister and pointed out that hospitals are overwhelmed precisely in cities where vaccination coverage is lower, such as Tetovo, Kumanovo, Gostivar.
Filipce also stressed that immunity acquired from vaccination and revaccination lasts longer than immunity from being infected.
-Collective immunity is acquired only through vaccination, and has been proven to last longer than immunity from being infected. It is also important that with the vaccination we will show that we care about other countries as well, outlined Filipce.
In regards to yesterday’s’ protests, he said that no argument could be heard about the vaccine or its efficiency and safety.
– Unfortunately, we heard a whole bunch of insults and threats also towards health workers, who deserve this the least, as they have worked very hard day and night. They did not deserve for someone to call them murderers. This is outrageous. I truly am surprised and disappointed, said Filipce.
