From July 29 to August 4, 342 materials for covid 19 were tested at the Institute of Public Health and 116 new positive cases were registered, the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases at the Institute confirms for "Sloboden Pechat". Compared to the week before, 30 percent more tests were performed, and the number of positive results increased by 48,7 percent, that is, from 78 to 116 positive results.

The positivity rate ranges from 17,6 percent to 43,8 percent, with an average of 32,3 percent. Sick persons have been registered in the municipalities of 7 cities. Most of the registered cases are from Skopje, where there are 61 infected, and the highest incidence is registered in Kavadarci and is 58,2 per 100 thousand inhabitants.

Diseased persons were registered in all age groups, with the largest number of cases reported in the age group over 60 years old, ie 32 persons. 77 people obtained the status of recovered. No deceased persons have been reported.

It is recommended to follow the basic measures for the prevention of covid-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases, and when symptoms appear, to call a family doctor or an infectious disease specialist for diagnosis and treatment of the disease, according to the Institute of Public Health.

The World Health Organization has warned that the number of infected is growing again around the world. From there, they called on the authorities to strengthen vaccination campaigns, especially for risk groups, that is, chronically ill and elderly citizens. The WHO has information that the percentage of positive tests has increased in 84 countries, and that in Europe the percentage of positivity is over 20 percent.

- I'm worried. We are not sitting here trying to speak based on fear. It's not about scripts. As individuals, it is important that we take measures to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, including ensuring that you have received a dose of vaccination against covid 19 in the last 12 months, especially if you belong to a risk group – said Dr. Maria Van Kerhove from WHO.

For people with associated diseases, it is recommended not to stay in closed rooms with a large number of people, to ventilate the rooms often and to wear a mask.

Interest in vaccination in Macedonia is low, but the Ministry of Health will receive a new shipment of vaccines in September.