According to the Public Health Institute’s weekly report for March 15-21, a total of 24,517 smears were analyzed in labs equipped to detect SARS-CoV-2 in North Macedonia, 8.4 % more compared to the previous week, the Health Ministry said Tuesday.

A total of 6,899 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in 35 cities and towns across the country, which is an increase of 26.4% compared to the previous week. Most COVID-19 cases were reported in Skopje (49.9%).

The percent of positive cases was between 23.4% and 32.3% in the reporting period, which registers an average of 27.9%.

Cases of COVID-19 infections were registered in all age groups, shows the report. With 25.7%, people over 60 make up most of the cases. Infections were also registered among people in the age group of 30-39 (18.9%), 40-49 (18.4%), 50-59 (17.5%), and 20-29 (12.5%). Very few cases are registered in children aged 0-9 (2.1%), and 10-19 (4.8%).

Also, 3,343 recoveries were reported, which is an increase of 22.1% compared to the previous week.

During the reporting period, 158 fatalities in 27 cities were registered, 22.5% more compared to the previous week. Of those, 135 people were over 60, 19 were aged 50-59, three were aged 40-49 and one was aged 30-39.

By March 22, 6,704 healthcare workers had received a first dose and 2,572 had received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The full report, as well as other COVID-19 information, is available at http://iph.mk/.