Gevgelija, 31 July 2021 (MIA) — It's obvious Covid-19 will continue mutating into new strains, making it very likely that the delta isn’t the last variant of the virus, Minister of Health Venko Filipche told reporters in Gevgelija on Saturday. Minister Filipche, who is visiting the renovated Gevgelija general hospital with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, said that despite the recent rise in cases, hospitals were not under pressure. “Some 15 patients are hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic,” Filipche said. “We are closely monitoring the situation. Although it is relatively calm now, it is possible that the numbers will rise so we are following [international] recommendations regarding vaccination.” According to him, one possibility was to introduce a third vaccine dose. Depending on the epidemiological situation, he added, the government would discuss possible restrictions for people who have not been vaccinated. “It is obvious that the crisis continues,” Filipche said. “It could last for several years. So we are emphasizing vaccination. I believe that citizens’ interest in vaccines will not wane.” “Last week,” he noted, “we were one of the leaders in the region in terms of the number of vaccines given per 100 inhabitants, which is a good sign.” mr/