A total of 13,123 smears were analyzed in labs equipped to detect SARS-CoV-2 from Dec. 21 until Dec. 27, shows a weekly report of the Institute of Public Health.

It is a drop by 15.9% compared to the previous week, the Health Ministry said Tuesday.

A total of 3,372 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in 35 cities and towns across the country, which is a decrease of 26.5% compared to the previous week. Most COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Skopje (42.4%).

The percent of positive cases out of SARS-CoV-2 tests was 25.7% in the reporting period, which registers a 3.6% when compared to the previous week.

Cases of COVID-19 infections were reported in all age groups, shows the report. “With 27%, people over 60 make up most of the cases. Infections were also registered among people in the age group of 30-39 (19.7%), 40-49 (17.5%), 50-59 (17.7%), and 20-29 (12.3%). Very few cases are registered in children aged 0-9 (1.5%), and 10-19 (4.3%),” said the Ministry.

Also, from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27, 4,500 recoveries were reported.

During the reporting period, 129 fatalities in 23 cities were registered – 18,9% compared to the previous week. Of those, 105 people were over 60, 20 were aged 50-59 and four people aged 40-49 died of coronavirus-related complications.